Antique Georgian Chest of Drawers - What to Look For

In this article I will be dealing with antique mahogany chest of drawers from the Georgian period. These are one of the most sought pieces of antique furniture. The price guides given will be for chests in mahogany. As with all antiques, items of exceptional size, whether large or small and those items with unusual design features, may be far more valuable.

Mahogany started to be used in England at the beginning of the 1720s and stayed popular for over a hundred years. Antique chests of the early 1700s are made from very dense mature mahogany. This timber is commonly called 'Cuban mahogany', but in fact came from Jamaica.

Antique mahogany bachelors chest are very rare and have considerable value. They have fold over tops supported on lopers. They were made mainly between the 1720s and 1740s and were often of small proportions.

I have recently purchased a very rare antique mahogany chest of drawers circa.1740. The chest is of fine dense timber and has a caddy moulded top. This type of top is much sought after, as the moulding does not overhang the side or front of the chest. This gives the chest a very clean line. This antique mahogany chest has four long graduated drawers, with the top drawer being fitted with compartments and a baize writing slide. Because of the weight of the top drawer, it is supported on pull-out lopers. I will upload a picture of this chest shortly on my web site.

This type of antique chest with caddy moulded top, was out of fashion by the end 1740s. So the chest can dated accurately to the mid 1740s.

By the middle of the eighteen century, mahogany chests were to be seen in many more homes. Normally at this time they would have overhanging mouldings and brass swan neck handles. Better antique chests made for more important rooms in the house would have four long graduated drawers, instead of the more common two small drawers over three or four long drawers. Additional features that add to the desirability of an antique chest, would be a brushing / writing slide and possibly a fitted top drawer.

As with all antique furniture, originality, especially patination, handles, and feet are very important in determining price and desirability.

Towards the end of the eighteenth century, the quality of antique Georgian chest of drawers, began to diminish. This was down to the reduction in the quality of timber being imported and the move towards higher production. At the beginning of the century only the wealthiest could afford fine antique mahogany chests and chest were bespoke made. As the century drew to an end the dawn of mass production was on the horizon.

Antique Georgian mahogany chest of drawers price guide. Antique bachelors chest with fold over tops c.1720-1740 - £30,000 - £320,000. Antique chest with caddy moulded tops c.1740 £5,000 - £25,000. Antique chest with thumbnail moulding c.1760-1790 £1000 - £10,000. Antique chest with four long graduated drawers £2,000 - £25,000. Antique chest with brushing slide or fitted top drawer £3,000 - £30,000.

Many thanks, Mark Davis
Apollo Antiques Limited, Devon

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