Whilst not necessarily an art form to most, for those of us who spend our days looking at furniture, one realizes just how much each chest of drawers differs, and this is nearly always reflected by the price it achieves at auction.

The chest of drawers as we know it largely took its form in the mid 17^th century in England and Europe and there are many elements that we use to date them.

Below are a few selections from our upcoming Fine Sale, in which we have an expansive range of chests of drawers of varying ages and woods, from early 18^th century to late 18^th century.  In the olden days, we often used the expression ‘half the size, twice the price’ and the following are fitting examples of this.

Starting with Lot 42, the Fine George II Yewood Chest of Drawers.  A mid 18^th century burr elm chest of drawers, beautifully figured in a warm, soft, dark honey color and simply irrestible, even though it stands just under 31” tall.

Moving on just a few years, is Lot 460, the Small George II Walnut Chest of Drawers.  With is small proportions and nicely figured drawer fronts and old brasses, it is simply a delight.

To conclude with an example from later in the 18^th century, we have Lot 494, the Small George III Mahogany Chest of Drawers, with its subtle, blind fret carved quarter columns and what appears to be its original brasses.  In spite of its slightly ‘stockier’ appearance, it is a fine piece of work nonetheless.