William & Mary Period Oyster Laburnum and Walnut Chest

William lll (1650-1702).

A classic oyster-veneered chest of two short and three long graduated drawers all faced with exquisite oyster veneers banded in fruitwood. The top with well-chosen oyster inlays contained within contrasting borders. Note the small detailed roundel within the top circle.

Of deep rich colour and in superb condition throughout, raised on the original bracket feet – which dates this to circa 1700 (the approximate date of the transition from bun feet of the late-17th century).

References:

Christie’s London 14th June 2001, lot 200, a very similar chest sold @ £22,325, in spite of its ‘’handles, bun feet and mouldings [being] replaced”.

Clevedon Salerooms sold an oyster walnut chest “originally on a stand” for £23,600 plus a 15% premium, on September 2nd, 2000.

Literature:

Ralph Edwards CBE FSA notes two chests of the same period in his ‘Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture’, Hamlyn, 1972, p. 202, illustr. 14 (Bourne Park, Kent) & illustr. 16 (J. Thursby Pelham Collection).

Vis illustrations in Herbert Cescinsky, ‘English Furniture Of The Eighteenth Century’, George Routledge & Sons, 1911, vol. I, p. 128, figs. 145 & 146.