School House Antiques

Description

A Near-Matching Pair of 17th century English William & Mary Walnut Chest of Drawers.

This is a truly exceptional near-matching pair of late 17th-century English William & Mary walnut chests of drawers, very likely made in the same workshop. Dating from the 1690s, these pieces represent a remarkable survival from the period.

Both chests are made with superb quality burr walnut veneering with geometric inlay work throughout. Each features two short drawers over three graduated long drawers, beautifully turned bun feet, and period engraved brass drop handles with matching escutcheons. The overall construction, timber selection, and decorative techniques strongly suggest they were produced by the same workshop.

One chest featuring a geometric-patterned top, while its counterpart has a more restrained but equally elegant plain matched walnut top. The brass handles also show minor variations in casting and engraving.

A particularly charming and historically significant detail is that one chest retains remnants of its original 17th-century block-printed drawer linings, featuring period images of King William III and Queen Mary II.

Each chest stands on four elegant turned bun feet.

Both chests are in excellent condition for pieces of this period — structurally sound, with smooth-running drawers and only the expected signs of age, use, and sympathetic old restorations. They are ready to grace their new home , whether displayed as a pair or individually.

Dimensions (each):

97.7 cm width × 58.5 cm depth × 95 cm height

99cm width x 58.5cm depth x 95cm height.

These chests are outstanding examples of English furniture craftsmanship from the William & Mary era and represent a rare opportunity to acquire a near-matching pair from the same workshop, offering immense decorative and collector appeal.