JACOBEAN CARVED OAK TESTER BED - JAMES I OAK TESTER BED - OAK COURT CUPBOARD - OAK CREDENCE TABLE - CHARLES I OAK REFECTORY TABLE - AN OAK COFFER

A JACOBEAN CARVED OAK TESTER BED, the cornice
carved with arcading, the tester with twelve scrolled and
carved panels, the headboard with a pair of arches filled
with and flanked by leaves, the end posts with turned
upper sections and incised lower parts, 6ft. 6in. high by
6ft. 6in. long by 4ft. 9in. wide (198cm. by 198cm. by
145cm.) early 17th Century, partly painted red, with
restoration.

A JAMES I OAK TESTER BED, the tester with twelve
leaf-carved panels, the headboard carved with two panels
of leaves above a pair of flower-filled arches divided and
flanked by term figures, the carved end-posts each with
a cup-and-cover section below leaf-carved columns, 7ft.
high by 4ft. 8in. zoide by 6ft. 8in. long (214cm. by 142cm. by
by 203cm.) early 17th Century.

A JAMES I OAK COURT CUPBOARD, the upper part with a strapwork-carved
overhanging comice supported on bulbous columns, the two recessed
panelled doors centred by a further panel inlaid with geometrie strapwork,
the projecting lower part with two panelled doors carved with guilloche,
lozenges, and ribbing, 6ft. lin. high by 4ft. 9in. wide (185cm. by 145cm.)
early 17th Century.

AN OAK REFECTORY TABLE, the three plank top with end cleats
over a moulded frieze and six turned legs with shaped brackets
and joined at the square section by stretchers, 2ft. high by llft.
wide (77.5cm. by 350cm.) mid-17th Century, re-constructed.

AN OAK COFFER with three panel hinged lid, the front carved with a portcullis
motif and flanked by pilas-ters similarly decorated, on Stile feet, 2ft. 3in.
high by 4ft. l’/zin. wide (69cm. by 126cm.) early 17th Century.

AN OAK COFFER of simple construction, the front
carved with two massive stylized flowerheads, lft. 8in.
high by 3ft. 2in. wide (51cm. by 97cm.) 17th Century, possibly
Continental.

AN OAK CREDENCE TABLE, with canted corners,
the carved frieze above fielded panelled doors inlaid
in a herring-bone design in walnut, the sides similarly
carved, on ring-turned baluster legs joined by a moulded
stretcher, 2ft. 6′Mn. high by 3ft. 5in. wide (78cm. by 104cm.)
19th Century.

AN OAK COFFER, with pitched lid, the front carved with
three panels of flowerheads and foliage, the ends with
iron carrying handles, lft. l’Mn. high by 3ft. Hin. wide
(65cm. by 120cm.) 17th Century, re-constructed.

A CHARLES I OAK REFECTORY TABLE, the three-plank top with a
lunette-carved frieze and ring-turned baluster legs joined
by stretchers, 2ft. 6in. high by 5ft. 8in. wide (76cm. by 172.5cm.)
early 17th. Century.

A CHARLES I OAK “BIBLE” BOX, with moulded lid
and base and with fluted frieze, 8′/2in. high by 2ft. 6in.
wide (21.5cm. by 76cm.) circa 1639.

A CHARLES I OAK SIX-PANEL COFFER with moulded
hinged lid, the front with a large panel of diamond
trellis-work and iron lockplate, lft. 9′/2in. high by 3ft. 7in.
wide (54cm. by 109cm.) circa 1630.

ANOTHER with sloping lid, the front and sides carved
with scrollwork, lft. high by 2ft. 3V2in. wide (31cm. by
70cm.) mid-17th Century.

A SMALL CHARLES I OAK SIX PLANK COFFER,
the end boards pierced at the base to form legs, lft.
high by lft. Hin. wide (45cm. by 58cm.) circa 1630.

ANOTHER with moulded lid and interior lidded
compartiment, the front incised with leafy lunettes,
Hin. high by 2ft. 7in. wide (28cm. by 79cm.) mid-1Ith
Century.

A GEORGE I OAK “BIBLE” BOX with sloping lid
and pine sides, the front carved with the initiais GT and
the date 1723 and with a pair of roundels, 2ft. 6in. wide
(76cm.).

A CHARLES II OAK COFFER, the four panelled top
above a band of fiuted carving and centred by a panel
depicting the Tree of Life and flanked by carved lozenges,
above a guilloche band, 2ft. 3l/tin. high by 3ft. Hin. wide
(100cm. by 119cm.) circa 1660.

A CHARLES II OAK CHEST
of four long drawers, each with a pair of simple
geometrie mouldings, on bun feet, 2ft.
high by3ft. wide (88cm. by 92cm.) circa 1670.

A CHARLES I OAK JOINT STOOL with a moulded
top and scroll carved frieze, on turned legs with piain
stretchers, lft. 9′/2in. high by lft. 6V2in. long (55cm. by
47cm.) circa 1640, top replaced.

A CHARLES I OAK JOINT STOOL, on ringed legs with
plain stretchers, the underside of the top stamped with
initiais, lft. 9in. high by lft. 6in. wide (53cm. by 46cm.)
circa 1640.

A CHARLES II OAK JOINT STOOL, the rectangular
moulded top above a moulded frieze, on turned legs joined
at the square section by stretchers and on bun feet,
lft. lV/tin. high by lft. wide (89cm. by 47cm.) circa
1660.

AN OAK DRESSER - CHARLES II OAK GATELEG TABLE - CHARLES II WALNUT CHEST - 17TH CENTURY WALNUT TABLE - WILLIAM AND MARY OAK GATE-LEG TABLE

AN OAK DRESSER, the later rack with a moulded
cornice above an ogee-cut frieze with three shelves, the
base with three panelled frieze drawers, on ringed turned
front legs joined by stretchers, 6ft. 7lhin. high by 6ft. 2′/zin.
wide (202cm. by 189cm.).

Two SIMILAR CHARLES II WALNUT SIDE CHAIRS,
the toprails carved with flowerheads with spirally-
turned supports, with caned backs and seats and
spirally turned legs and stretchers, second half 11 th Century,
restored.

A CHARLES II OAK GATELEG TABLE
with a moulded edge, a frieze drawer and eight twist-turned
legs joined by square stretchers, 2ft. 5in. by 4ft. open (74cm. by 122cm.)
the base circa 1680, the top 19th Century.

A CHARLES II OAK SIDE CHAIR, the arched pierced
toprail above a solid central splat carved with S-scrolls
and foliage, the solid seat on ringed legs joined by
stretchers.

A CHARLES II WALNUT CHEST, the rectangular
moulded top above a band of dentil moulding, the frieze
with two short moulded drawers centred by a moulded-
front small drawer, with one deep and two shallow
drawers below, outlined with applied geometric mouldings,
on bun feet, 3ft. 3′Ain. high by 3ft. 2in. wide (100cm. by
97cm.) circa 1680.

AN UNUSUAL CHARLES II OAK CHEST, the hinged
lid above a dummy drawer and with three drawers below
of equal depth, each section carved at the front and the
sides with geometric strapwork or scale pattern and
divided by horizontal mouldings, 2ft. lVhin. high by 2ft. 7in.
wide (90cm. by 79cm.) circa 1680, with later applied silvered
metal mounts.

A WILLIAM AND MARY WALNUT AND OAK CHEST,
with two short and two long drawers and panelled sides
and back, 2ft. lOin. high by 2ft. lOin. wide (86cm. by 86cm.)
late 17th Century.

A LATE 17TH CENTURY WALNUT TABLE, the rec-tangular three-plank
top with end cleats, the frieze with an end drawer, on turned legs
joined at the square section by a moulded H-shaped stretcher, 2ft.
high by 4ft. 5lhin. wide (78cm. by 136cm.) circa 1700.

AN OAK CHEST of four long geometrically panelled
drawers each with two panels, on bun feet, 2ft. 9in.
high by 2ft. (84cm. by 88cm.) third quarter
17th Century, top drawer replacee.

A WILLIAM AND MARY BEECHWOOD WING ARM-
CHAIR, with rectangular back, straight-sided wings, the
padded arms and cushioned seat on S-scroll supports
joined by turned stretchers and with a scroll front
stretcher, circa 1690, with restoration.

AN UNUSUAL SMALL WILLIAM AND MARY OAK
DROP-LEAF TABLE, the rectangular top with one flap and
raised on six slender legs joined by moulded stretchers,
with turned feet, 2ft.high by 2ft. 4in. wide (64cm. by
71cm.) circa 1690.

A GOOD WILLIAM AND MARY YEW-WOOD TABLE
with a moulded top, the frieze with a simple moulding
and a drawer, raised on spiral-twist legs joined by a plain
stretcher, 2ft. high by 2ft. 7in. wide (76cm. by 79cm.) circa
1690.

A WILLIAM AND MARY OAK TABLE
with moulded top, the frieze with an ogee moulding
along the front and a drawer, with a central applied
carved panel, spiral-twist legs with waved X-stretchers
and bun feet, 2ft. ?’Mn. high by 3ft. 4in. wide (82cm. by 102cm.) circa 1690.

A PAIR OF UNUSUAL WlLLIAM AND MARY OAK CHAIRS,
each back with a pierced strapwork toprail above a
splat also pierced with strapwork, the solid moulded seats on
turned front legs with spiral-twist front stretchers and piain
back legs and stretchers, circa 1690.

A GOOD WILLIAM AND MARY OAK GATE-LEG TABLE
with an oval top, a frieze drawer and raised on eight legs with
tapering turned centre sections, piain stretchers and knurled feet,
2ft. 4in. high by 3ft. 9in. long by 4ft. bin. open (71cm. by 114cm. by 135cm.) circa 1690.

A WILLIAM AND MARY OAK TRIPOD STAND, the
moulded octagonal top on baluster stem with hexagonal
base and three scroll legs, 2ft. 8in. high by Ift. 2lhin. wide
(81cm. by 37cm.) circa 1680.

ANOTHER also with an octagonal top, raised on a
spiral-twist stem and baluster base, on three flat scroll
feet, 2ft. 9in. high by lft. Vhin. wide (84cm. by 34cm.)
circa 1680y part of one foot replaced, top with three added
supports.

A GOOD SET OF FTVE CHARLES II OAK NORTH COUNTRY
CHAIRS, each with a piain solid semi-circular toprail
above a semi-circular arch, the moulded seat with turned
front legs and stretcher and piain back legs and stretchers,
circa 1660, one with part of toprail replaced, squab
cusbions.

A GOOD CHARLES II CHEST OF DRAWERS
in oak with walnut-veneered front and in two parts,
the front with four long drawers each divided into a pair
of geo¬metrie panels and the second drawer with a pair of
fielded octagons flanking an applied panel with an arch,
on bracket feet, 3ft. 3in. high by 3ft. 8in. wide
(99cm. by 112cm.) circa 1670, bracket feet 18th Century

A CHARLES II CANED WALNUT CHAIR, with rec-
tangular caned back panel enclosed by leaves and
flowers, spiral-twist supports, legs and stretchers, circa
1670, stamped LS.

MAHOGANY TEA OR GAMES TABLE - SATINWOOD SIDE TABLE - GEORGE III MAHOGANY SOFA - MAHOGANY SECRETAIRE - MAHOGANY SIDE CHAIRS

A GEORGE III SEMI-CIRCULAR MAHOGANY CARD
TABLE, the top crossbanded in satinwood and kingwood,
the frieze inlaid with stringing and raised on square
tapering legs with later castors, 3fi. wide (92cm.) circa
1785.

A GEORGE III MAHOGANY TEA OR GAMES TABLE,
the rectangular top on square tapering legs headed by
oak sprig paterae, 2ft. 4′/2in. high by 2ft. wide
(72cm. by 90cm.) circa 1790.

A LATE GEORGE III MAHOGANY TWO-PEDESTAL DINING TABLE,
the rectangular top with rounded corners and two extra
leaves, raised on two bee-hive columns each with four sabre legs,
8ft. 9in. long by 3ft. Hin. zoide (267cm. by 120cm.)
early 19th Century, the underframe of top rebuilt.

A GEORGE III MAHOGANY TABLE
with an oval top and Square tapering legs, 2ft. 5in.
high by 3ft. 7in. wide (74cm. by 108cm.) circa 1790, formed from the end sections of a dining
table now fixed together.

A GEORGE III MAHOGANY TEA OR GAMES TABLE
with semi-circular top, on square tapering legs headed
by shell paterae, 2ft. 5in. high by 3ft. l’/zin. wide (73cm.
by 95cm.) circa 1790, possibly American.

A GEORGE III SATINWOOD SIDE TABLE, the semi-
circular top banded in yew-wood and tulipwood and the
similarly banded frieze raised on square tapering legs
headed by oval flowerhead paterae, 2ft. 8in. high by 3ft.
wide (81.5cm. by 91.5cm.) circa 1785, top now painted with
a flower-draped urn.

A GEORGE III MAHOGANY SOFA
with upholstered back and arms and loose-cushion
seat raised on reeded tapering legs, 4ft. 2in. wide (127cm.) circa 1800.

A GEORGE III MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD of semi-
circular shape, with a shallow drawer flanked at each
side by a deep drawer and then a cupboard, raised on
tapering legs of lozenge section, 3ft. high by 6ft. wide
(91cm. by 183cm.) circa 1790.

A LATE GEORGE III MAHOGANY CANTERBURY, with
three slatted divisions, a drawer below and turned legs,
lft. lOin. high by lft. 9in. wide (56cm. by 53.5cm.) early
19th Century.

A SET OF FOUR MAHOGANY QUARTETTO TABLES
crossbanded in mahogany, with rectangular tops, turned
supports and trestle feet, 2ft. 6in. high (76cm.) first half
19th Century.

A LATE GEORGE III ROSEWOOD SOFA TABLE with
coromandel-wood crossbanding and two drawers in the
frieze, on a semi-circular support and ringed stem with
downcurved sabre legs and brass castors,  5in. high by
5ft. 4in. wide (74cm. by 163cm.).

A GEORGE III MAHOGANY BONHEUR-DU-JOUR,
the D-shaped superstructure containing two drawers
flanked by a cupboard on each side, with a hinged leather-lined writing surface, a
drawer in the frieze and moulded legs, 3ft. l’/zin.
high by 2ft. lVhin. (95cm. by 90.5cm.) late 18th/early
19th Century, possibly American.

A GEORGE III MAHOGANY CHEST, with a
rectangular flush reeded top above two short and two
long drawers, on splay bracket feet, 3ft. high by 2ft. lOin.
wide (91.5cm. by 88cm.) circa 1800.

A LATE GEORGE III MAHOGANY SECRETAIRE
BOOKCASE, the shaped cornice with three groups of
bullet-like mouldings above a pair of doors with lancet
glazing bars enclosing adjustable shelves, with a fitted
secretaire drawer above three long drawers and splayed
bracket feet, 8ft. lin. high by 3ft. wide (216cm. by
115cm.) circa 1800, restored.

A PAIR OF GEORGE III MAHOGANY SIDE CHAIRS,
with turned toprails above a rectangular panel and
carved scroll crossbars centred by paterae, the stuffed
seats on turned tapering legs, circa 1800.

A REGENCY GILTWOOD CONVEX MIRROR, the
moulded frame set with balls and surmounted by an
eagle with outspread wings, lft. high by lft. 5in.
diam. (60cm. by 43cm.) circa 1805.

A GEORGE III D-SHAPED MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD
with a central frieze drawer flanked by two short drawers
on one side and a bottle drawer on the other, panelled to
resemble two drawers, on square tapering legs ending in
block feet, possibly reduced in height, 2ft. high by
7ft. wide (86cm. by 210cm.) circa 1800.

A REGENCY GILTWOOD PIER GLASS in matt and
burnished gilt, the rectangular plate with three-sided
cluster-column border, the top two corners set with a
patera, 5ft. lin. high by 3ft. 8in. wide (155cm. by 112cm.)
circa 1805.

A LATE GEORGE III SOLID WALNUT CORNER CUP-BOARD
in two parts and each with a pair of doors with two panels,
the cornice set with small ebonised balls, 7ft. 6in. high by 4ft.
wide (228cm. by 122cm.) circa 1800.

A REGENCY WINDOW SEAT,
the X-frame moulded, set with paterae and decorated
in black and gilt, the upholstered seat with scrolled ends,
damaged, 2ft. 4′/2in. high by 4ft. wide
(72.5cm. by 122cm.) circa 1810.

AN OAK SETTLE - AN OAK GATELEG TABLE - JAMES II OAK DINING CHAIRS - CHARLES II OAK CUPBOARD - WILLIAM AND MARY OAK SIDE TABLE - WILLIAM III WALNUT SIDE TABLE

A CHARLES II OAK CHEST in two parts and with
four geometrically panelled drawers with ebonised
dividing and flanking mouldings, 3ft. high by 3ft. lin.
wide (92cm. by 94cm.) circa 1670.

AN OAK SETTLE, the back with two rows of five panels
carved with foliate scrollwork, with shaped arms and
turned supports and the base with a hinged lid, 5ft. 4in.
high by 5ft. 2in. wide (163cm. by 158cm.) partly constructed
from 17th Century panelling.

A CHARLES II OAK SETTLE, the panelled top with a
moulded dentil-carved toprail applied with split-baluster
decoration, with downeurved arms on bulbous ring-
turned supports, the rope seat with a loose cushion, on
bulbous ring-turned legs joined by stretchers, 6ft. wide
(183cm.) circa 1680.

A CHARLES II OAK SETTLE, the four-panel back
with carved lozenges and downswept scrolled arms, the
hinged seat above four lozenge carved panels, 3ft. 4′hin.
high by 5ft. 9in. wide (103cm. by 176cm.) circa 1660,
restored.

AN OAK GATELEG TABLE, the hinged rectangular
top on spirally turned legs joined by stretchers, on pad
feet, 2ft. 3′/2in. high by 3ft. fully extended (70cm.
by 120cm.) late 17th Century.

A PAIR OF PEARWOOD FORMS OR NARROW BENCHES
of honey colour, each single plank top raised on two
pairs of inverted baluster-shaped legs, lft. 5in. high
by 4ft. Win. long (43cm. by 148cm.) late 17ih Century, probably French,
stretchers with restoration.

A RARE SET OF NINE JAMES II OAK DlNING CHAIRS
with moulded scrolled toprails centred by pierced interlaced
leaves, the three stick splats within moulded uprights and
with turned tapering supports, the panelled seats on turned legs joined at the front by a scrolled stretcher
centred by crossed pierced leaves and joined at the square section by box stretchers, circa 1685.

A WILLIAM AND MARY LARGE OAK AND WALNUT
GATELEG TABLE with deep semi-circular flaps, a drawer in
the frieze, on ring-turned hamster legs joined by plain
stretchers, on bun feet, 2ft. 5in. high by 5ft. wide
(74cm. by 164cm.) circa 1680, restored.

A CHARLES II OAK CUPBOARD
with a lunette-carved frieze above a pair of panelled
carved doors, on stile legs, 3ft. 3in. high by 5ft.
wide (102cm. by 152cm.) late 17th Century, formerly with an upper part.

A WILLIAM AND MARY WALNUT GATELEG TABLE,
the oval two-flap top above a single frieze drawer, on
turned legs joined by stretchers and with braganza feet,
2ft. 5in. high by 3ft. 7in. wide (73cm. by 109cm.) circa
1690, drawer and feet later.

A CARVED OAK CUPBOARD with projecting cornice
and pendant finials above a pair of recessed cupboards
flanking two arched panels, with a pair of four-panel
doors below, 6ft. 3in. high by 6ft. wide (190cm. by 183cm.)
late 17th Century, but with rieh 19th Century animal and
fiower carving.

A CHARLES II OAK GATELEG TABLE
with a moulded edge, a frieze drawer and eight spiral-twist
legs joined by square stretchers, 2ft. 5in. by 4ft. open (74cm. by 122cm.) the base circa 1680, the top 19th Century.

A LATE 17TH CENTURY OAK “CRICKET” OR
DRINKING TABLE with circular top and turned legs
joined by stretchers, lft. high by 2ft. 2in. diameter
(59cm. by 66cm.) top associated.

A CHARLES II OAK CUPBOARD, the pair of doors
faced with geometrie panels, 6ft. Vhin. high by
4ft. lOVein. wide (187cm. by 149cm.) circa 1675, with later
gadrooned cornice.

A WILLIAM AND MARY OAK SIDE TABLE, with
moulded top, a frieze drawer, the turned legs joined by
stretchers, 2ft. 2in. high by 2ft. 6in. wide (66cm. by 76cm.)
circa 1690.

A WILLIAM AND MARY OAK BUREAU, the flap with
angled banding enclosing a fitted interior of drawers and
secret drawers and with a hinged well, above three short
and two long banded drawers, on bun feet, 3ft. Vhin.
high by 3ft. wide (95cm. by 97.5cm.) circa 1695,
restored, feet replaced.

A RARE OAK LAMBING ARMCHAIR, the high back
with an arched hood, plain arms on columnar supports,
with a solid seat and turned legs joined by turned
stretchers, circa 1700.

A WILLIAM III WALNUT SIDE TABLE,
the moulded top above a frieze drawer, on bobbin-turned
legs joined by a bobbin-turned H-stretcher, 2ft.
high by 2ft. Win. wide (72cm. by 86.5cm.) circa 1700, drawer re-lined.

AN OAK CHEST with hinged lid, the panelled
front and sides carved with lunettes and stylized
foliage, 2ft. high by 4ft. 9in. wide (75cm. by 144cm.) late 17th/early 18th Century, carving possibly later.

A WILLIAM AND MARY SMALL OAK GATELEG TABLE
with a drawer in the frieze, on ringed legs joined by
plain stretchers, 2ft. 3′/2in. high by 3ft. 8in. wide (70cm. by
112cm.) late 17th Century.

DRESSERS
About 1650-1915
Late-17thC dresser with applied geometric moulding.
At all times a respected piece of furniture in rural homes - good enough for use as a sideboard in the parlours of large farmhouses and manor houses, but found only in the kitchens of more sophisticated town and city dwellers. Tremendous regional variation; as a very general rule, an open base and open shelves above are southern characteristics, and backboards on the rack and solid drawers and cupboards below, northern features.
Welsh dresser has become a popular term for all types of dresser, regardless of their place of manufacture.
Until the late 17thC generally a base only was present. This could be in the form of a long table with a single frieze of two, three or more (often deep) drawers supported on turned (commonly baluster) front legs, occasionally joined by stretchers, sometimes by a ‘pot board’ (a deep platform shelf to hold large vessels). Rear legs always straight and square in section. Top usually bordered by an applied moulding, matched by a moulding beneath the drawers; or made as a solid piece with a frieze of drawers with cupboards below, with or without top and base mouldings, and with stile feet.
Mid-18thC dresser with arched and helded panels.
After 1700 a shaped apron, and occasionally cabriole legs, were introduced on the first type, and after 1710, bracket feet on the second. Fielded and shaped panels were common on doors; occasionally a shaped plinth, or bun feet.
Early-l8thC dresser.
A rack (or superstructure of shelves) was introduced about 1690; until about 1750 this was seldom attached, merely sitting on top of the base or being fixed to wall above. Usually two or three shelves (sometimes of graduated depth); most have grooves or stays (narrow strips of moulding) to support plates. Sides can be shaped or straight. Projecting moulded cornice may have shaped and/or pierced apron below. Some racks have small (often square-fronted) spice drawers in, or just above the base. Some have backboards, but many are later additions (see CONSTRUCTION).
Variations include: an open ‘dog kennel’ in centre of base; a clock in centre of upper part of rack (a Yorkshire characteristic); glazed doors on rack of fitted kitchen dressers (from about 1870).
Mid l8thC cupboard base dresser, rack with spice drawers above.
The popularity of dressers of sideboard type for use in the dining-rooms of town houses towards the end of the 19thC resulted in some ornate machine-carved examples with turned supports and stretchers made in Renaissance or Jacobean’ style. A few were made in Arts and Crafts and progressive styles.
Predominately oak; elm, fruitwoods, occasionally ash and other local woods. Mahogany, sometimes walnut, for decorative cross-banding. Pine for some genuinely Welsh dressers from 18thC onwards, and for most Victorian and Edwardian kitchen pieces.
Frame and panel construction with pegged (in later 19thC, glued) mortise-and-tenon joints.
Drawer rebated and nailed, with coarse dovetails. Applied and mitred mouldings on drawer fronts until about 1710-1720, when sometimes replaced by ovolo lip mouldings (covering gap between carcase and drawer. Sometimes simple cockbead after about 1730, or groove.
Shelves of rack tenoned and pegged through side uprights.
Marriages of racks to older bases common. Check for matching colour and grain of timber. Look for regular machine saw marks on underside of shelvesindicating 19thC (or later) date.
Backboards often later addition (particularly on once-fitted pine kitchen dressers). Can usually be identified by regular width. Decorative friezes and aprons may also be added to increase value. Look again for regular machine-cut saw marks on their back.
As functional pieces of furniture in everyday use, old dressers should show signs of considerable wear, especially on the top, shelves and drawer linings. As they are mostly used in kitchens, expect to see build-up of dirt and grease around handles, in plate grooves and around all exterior joints. The insides of drawers will be scratched and dented.
Seldom any decoration. Occasionally mahogany or walnut cross-banding on drawers and cupboards doors.
Handles: Typical for their day (for details see page 87). Iron or brass drop handles in 17thC, brass bails in 18thC, and wooden knobs after about 1825.
Polish. Stain or paint on 19thC pine. (Many of these are sold incorrectly stripped and waxed today. Ironically they may be worth more in their changed condition than with their original, but usually less attractive, finish.)
VALUES
If ‘right’ (though allowing for minor repairs), price undoubtedly in the thousands; the best and earliest in five figures. Late, pine kitchen dressers not far behind, even when originally fitted.
A firm regional attribution or inclusion of a dog kennel, or clock, price advantage.
Marriages, if done convincingly, may not affect value greatly.
A simple Kitchen dresser

Antique English Dressers - Charles II period small oak dresser - 17th Century oak dresser - fruitwood dresser of the early 18th century on cabriole legs -  English country dresser - oak dresser with upper shelves and single cupboard door - Queen Anne mahogany cupboarded oak dresser with drawers

The demarcation between antique cupboards and antique dressers in the 17th century is somewhat difficult to define, particularly where the lower portion is enclosed by doors. About 1650 and afterwards it was common to have  dressers which were without the upper superstructure although sometimes shelves may have been fastened to the wall above. Naturally these dressers reflected the style of the period as far as drawer decoration and leg turning was concerned. In country districts dressers were made by local craftsmen on throughout the 18th century long after they had ceased to be fashionable in town houses. In this waythe cabriole leg continued to appear on dressers when it had disappeared on other town-made furniture. In the second half of the 18th century side cupboards were included in the upper half and the top cornice carried mouldings copied from more refined furniture, such as dentil friezes. The dresser does not appear to have developed much beyond this period; since it has long been relegated to a piece of kitchen furniture it may have been neglected stylistically for this reason.
The prices given are assuming good structural condition and originality. No pine dressers are shown and it must be emphasized that pine dressers are generally late in date and less than half the oak prices shown.

A fine Charles II period small oak dresser. The drawers illustrate the geometrical mouldings found on chests of the period-the swan-neck handles are a replacement and simple pear-drops or pulls would have been more likely. The legs show a fine example of Restoration turning with inverted cup and baluster forms. Although the legs finish square in section as though to take stretchers, these were not originally fitted. The top edge surface shows a simple thumb nail moulding and the cornice beneath shows a fine bold concave form.
Value points: Small Size - 5ft to 6ft long  Quality of leg turning  Drawer mouldings  Colour and patination  Original handles

Another fine larger oak dresser of c. 1680. The drawers show the same form as the previous example, with mitred decorative mouldings, but applied split baluster forms decorate the frame at the sides and between
them. The legs show fine column turning of the same form as our gate-leg table illustrated in that section. Again the legs are squared above the turned feet as though to take stretcher joints, but in fact stretchers are
only fitted at the side.
Value points: Size - length 6ft or under  Colour and patination
Quality of drawer mouldings  Quality of leg turning
Original handles

A fruitwood dresser of the early 18th century. The drawers show a simpler form of the earlier moulded panels but the top edge mouldings retain the same form. The cupboard door panels are also moulded with mock drawer fronts in the top half to retain proportion.
Value points: Fruitwood
Colour and patination  Quality of mouldings  Original handles

A rathermore countrified dresser of the early 18th century showing very simple leg turning. The shaped apron with projecting lip moulding follows that of side table styles of the period. The drawer fronts are very simple but there is a form of cock bead around them on the frame. The top edge has a simple thumb-nail moulding.
Value points: Size - 7ft wide or under … Colour and patination
Quality of mouldings
Original handles

An oak dresser of c. 1725 with upper shelves. The top cornice has an ogee moulding and shaped frieze beneath. The door panels are fielded and shaped,with the solid panel between them repeating this form. The drawers are simple, with no moulding, but the frame around them and the cupboard doors show a simple moulded edge. Note the panelled side to the lower section.
Value points: Small Size
Colour and patination  Fielded door panels  Original handles
Quality of mouldings

An oak dresser of c. 1725 also, but without the upper structure. The cupboard doors are again fielded and shaped. There is also the same moulded edge form on the frame around doors and drawers. The latter are simple; the handles are not original. Note that the sides are panelled; a form found on chests of drawers of the previous century.
Value points: Small Size
Colour and patination Quality of mouldings  Original handles

A much simpler and cruder oak dresser of the early 18th century with simple single cupboard door. There is a simple thumb-nail moulding round the top edge and the frame also has a simple moulding around drawers
and panel edges.
Value points: Small Size
Colour and patination  Quality of mouldings  Original handles

An oak dresser of mid-18th century period on cabriole legs. The upper part is fitted with three spice drawers, which adds to value. The top edge moulding is rather more sophisticated and the drawers have an ovolo lip moulding around the edge to lap over the carcase frame. The cabriole legs are well shaped ending in a pad foot.
Value points: Small Size
Colour and patination  Spice drawers
cabriole legs
Original handles

An oak dresser of mid-18th century. The top cornice shows a dentillated section in the moulding with a shaped frieze beneath. The side cupboard doors are panelled and moulded. The drawers are cock beaded and the swan-neck handles are possibly original. The shaped apron repeats the curves of the top frieze. It is interesting to note the C scroll behind the knee on the cabriole legs - a sign of quality coming from cabrioles of the Queen Anne period.
Value points: Small Size
cabriole legs
Colour and patination  Quality of mouldings  Shaped apron and frieze

A cupboarded oak dresser of mid-18th century with fielded panels in doors and drawers. The cupboards on either side of the upper structure have a spice drawer beneath. The whole form of construction dates from a much earlier period, showing how country craftsmen retained these methods long after they were superseded elsewhere.
Value points: Small Size
Colour and patination  Spice drawers
Original handles

A later 18th century oak dresser with drawers cross banded in mahogany. The top cornice is well moulded and the row of spice drawers in the upper section adds greatly to value. The cross banded drawers are cock
beaded and it can be seen that small drawers have been let into the frieze. The ‘gallery’ beneath with its useful floor-level shelf was used for larger kitchen utensils and pots,
Value points: Small Size
Colour and patination  Spice drawers
Original handles
Quality of leg turning

A Welsh oak dresser of last quarter of the 18th century. Note that the drawers are cock-beaded and that the shaped central apron reflects a form of much earlier origin. The apron is also cock-beaded like some Queen Anne forms. The panelled or boarded-in back gives a heavier appearance and it is well to remember that many may have had this removed.
Value points: Small Size
Colour and patination  Original handles

DRESSERS  early sideboard type
An oak dresser of the second half of the seventeenth century, showing very thick boldly turned front legs and square back legs. Each of the four drawers is divided into two panels and the side is panelled as well. The top edge is heavily moulded and another moulding has been fixed along the front edge under the drawers. The square endings to the front feet might suggest the use of stretchers out was normally a design feature. A large heavy bold piece. 1650-1670
A slightly later oak dresser with plain plank ends and moulded fronts to the three drawers with attractively applied split balusters between them. The turning on the legs is a slightly more refined version of the first
example. Also it looks old. It has sagged slightly towards the middle; the two planks which make the top have parted slightly. The dresser appears to have a very good colour. A thoroughly desirable piece.
c. 1670-1680
In contrast to the previous example this piece looks a little thin. The applied mouldings lack imagination, the rail rebated into the middle leg looks thoroughly unworkman-like (see example 469 where the rail is mortised and joined on each leg). The late handles do not help and the piece looks a little dull.
c.1700
A late seventeenth century dresser base with moulded fronts to the drawers and legs of typically turned form for the period, supporting a superstructure which looks of much later date. Dressers of this early form did
not have racks on them though there may have been shelves above them secured to the wall. The top moulding here looks much too thin compared with the bottom. It would be interesting to look at the back to see if the age of the unpolished woods matches up. 1700-1750
At first glance this cherrywood dresser might be placed in the seventeenth century. The fairly bold turned stretcherless legs, the double moulding supporting the top and the heavy equivalent beneath the deep drawers together with panelled ends all point to an early date. The handles are later. The whole piece has the look of the seventeenth century except the drawer fronts which give the game away by having an ovolo moulding round the edges which fits over the front of the carcase. This feature must place the piece post 1720.
More sophistication  this time on cabriole legs of good quality and an elaborately scrolled frieze. The drawers have a simple scratch-moulded line around the edge to emulate a cockbead. 1740-1750
All dressers are oak unless otherwise specified and are assumed to have reasonable colour.
A very fine example from the first years of the eighteenth century. The basic form remains, but a decorative under-rail has been added and emphasised by the use of cockbeading; there is also the unusual feature of a
stretcher. The drawers have been cross-banded in a contrasting wood. The effect is very successful. c. 1710
A later development of the dresser; still the large top moulding but the legs are now Chippendale, even though the two decorations on the bottom of the front rail suggest an earlier date. There is a groove line round the drawers to suggest cockbeading. Quite a successful piece if the colour is good. c. 1760-1770

DRESSERS  with shelves, and tridarns
It may seem odd to start a section on dressers with shelves by discussing tridarns, but they are closely linked both in their Welsh origin and in the possibility that the court (short) cupboard had a third layer
superimposed on top purely for display and that this proved so popular that the middle was turned over to display rather than storage which resulted in the dresser. This subject is fully explored in Chinnery, Oak
Furniture, his earliest date for tridarns, incidentally, being 1685, the latest in the nineteenth century.
The tridarns are surprisingly similar in design but in details there is a wide variation. This one has solid sides to the top level instead of parallel straight or wavy slats. It is decorated with contrasting woods and has a well-designed central panel. The back also is closely panelled. It probably dates from the first few years of the eighteenth century. It is at the top end of the quality scale. c.1710
An early dresser. The overhang and the pendants result in it being described as a canopy dresser. Cupboards on either side in the middle section are all that remain of the tridarn design. Probably from Denbighshire in
North Wales. A good piece with panelling throughout except on the back-boards which is normal. c.1 720s
The arched fielded panels of this tridarn suggest a later date for this piece. The top third seems to be gaining in importance at the expense of the middle section. c. 1735
Northern Welsh oak enclosed dresser of six drawers and two cupboards. The drawers cross-banded with mahogany, the plain panelled doors with mahogany inlaid line to the framing. The superstructure of shelves with pine back-boards containing two cupboards, the doors cross-banded with mahogany. The frieze of simple shaping and centrally pierced with heart motif. c. 1780
A magnificent example of an English oak enclosed dresser of architectural proportions, containing two cupboards and three drawers. The doors with shaped fielded panels, and these, together with the drawer fronts, being cross-banded and inlaid. The sides to the base with shaped canted corners and applied pilasters. The superstructure of shelves, unbacked, with central figure compartments, the top finely shaped and pierced frieze under the cornice supported at the sides by applied pilaster supports. 1750
Northern Welsh oak enclosed dresser of six drawers and two cupboards, the door panels shaped and fielded. The superstructure of shelves, with shaped sides, the frieze shaped and cusped. c.1730
An Anglesey, oak, enclosed break-front dresser of six drawers and two cupboards, the doors to which have applied shaped panels, the breakfront with reeded column. The superstructure of shelves has shaped sides,
better quality examples have been seen with reeded columns on the ends and the frieze. c.1780
A Lancashire dresser with applied raised moulding and the drawer fronts cross-banded in mahogany. The superstructure of shelves containing nests of drawers with figure compartment above. The frieze under the
dentil cornice with applied pierced banding. c. 1800
Northern Welsh oak enclosed dresser. The front is inlaid with mahogany forms and ivory escutcheons. The superstructure of shelves is very simple. c. 1850
Anglesey, oak, enclosed break-front dresser. The corner of the break-front has applied quarter turning which any longcase clock collector will recognise. Other examples have split applied double columns at
the ends as well as the breakfronts, and are inlaid with mahogany stars. c. 1850
A large Cumberland oak enclosed dresser. The framed doors to the cupboards with ogee fielded panel doors. The applied pilasters to the front giving the whole architectural proportions. The superstructure of shelves,
containing at the base a row of spice drawers.
A plain example, the decoration is supplied by the reeded support, shelves and top moulding.
Early 19th century
An English dresser, which makes an interesting comparison with 487. The rack arrangement, the reeded canted column supports at the ends, and the applied raised moulding round the door all suggest that it too
comes from Lancashire.
A slightly unusual oak example because of the use made of the fielded panels at the ends of the base and the architectural moulding on the supports, as well as the very wide space between the shelves. The use of
mahogany crossbanding on the drawers indicates a late date.
Late 18th century
A very simple dresser with panelled doors and the traditional six drawer arrangement. The ivory key surrounds are typical of late production.

DRESSERS  space below
A magnificent and large example of an English oak dresser of four drawers, raised upon three frontal cabriole legs, united by finely pierced and shaped apron. The superstructure of shelves, containing two cupboards with fluted frontal stiles, containing doors with square fielded panels. The frontal edges to the shelves and the upright supporters finely shaped. The frieze under the cornice, finely pierced and shaped, carrying out the design of the apron. Shropshire. c. 1750
Southern Welsh pot boarded dresser of two drawers. The legs to the base being square, the apron with ogee shaping. The superstructure of shelves being unbacked, and with finely shaped sides. The frieze of simple
shaping. c. 1740
There are clear similarities between this piece and 495. The clever use of a similar pattern of decorative frieze on the top and bottom give it a feeling of lightness. The use of cabriole legs and the two side doors
suggest that this also may come from Shropshire, certainly the West Midlands. The only slight quibble is that the cabrioles are cut straight down one side and do not look as good as 495. c. 1770
Mid-Welsh or Montgomeryshire pot boarded dresser of four drawers. The legs to the base being of baluster turning, with a shaped apron of ogee form between the legs. The apron and the drawer fronts being
cock-beaded. Between each apron and drawer an applied reeded moulding. The superstructure of shelves, with horizontal back-boards, supported by cupboarded sides, the small base cupboards of plain panelled
doors, the tall narrow cupboards above, with reeded panel doors. The shaped frieze having an applied pierced tracing above the shaping. c.1750
Mid-Welsh or Montgomeryshire pot boarded dresser of three drawers. The legs to the base being square, and reeded upon the frontal surfaces. This reeding carried on between the drawers. The apron shaped with
ogee moulding between the legs. The superstructure of shelves containing two cupboards with ‘Gothic’ shaped doors. The frieze to the superstructure with fretting and scalloping. Initialled and dated inside the
right-hand shelf cupboard `W. G. 1801′. Early 19th century
An English chestnut dresser of three drawers raised upon square tapered legs, united by a finely pierced and shaped apron. The superstructure of shelves, unbacked, with finely shaped sides, and shelf edgings with
figure compartments at the sides. The top frieze, under the cornice, finely pierced and shaped, carrying out the design in the apron.
A Welsh open-based dresser, the top board raised upon three silhouette baluster-shaped legs. The moulding around the base, forming a simple bracket foot, is of later addition. The sides with two upright rails in the
framing. The superstructure of shelves, with shaped sides and plain frieze to the top. c. 1720
Southern Welsh pot boarded dresser of six drawers. The legs to the base are chamfered to give a slender or more delicate appearance. These are united by a finely shaped apron which is returned on the sides. The
superstrucure of unbacked shelves has reeded frontal edges, the sides being stepped back between each shelf. A finely pierced and shaped frieze of scalloping runs below the top moulding. Probably Glamorganshire.
A mid-19th century version of the South Welsh oak pot board dresser, of five drawers, all cock-beaded with small twin domed arch aprons simply inlaid as sunbursts in mahogany, between the two outside drawers. The drawers, all with their original wooden knobs with mother-of-pearl inlay. The whole is supported on three turned balusters, terminated upon the pot board surmounting bracket feet. The very simple superstructure of shelves is backed by wide pine back-boards which is typical of the period.
c. 1840
An oak pot board dresser with a pair of well-turned legs and bun feet, which give it the ‘lift’ necessary to avoid the rather square appearance of the other dressers on this page.
Late 18th century
A very simple square legged dresser with drawers, cock-beaded and cross-banded in mahogany. Very basic in design with only Regency type flat reeded moulding to give it a more finished appearance. c.1820
A cottage oak dresser with pot board and simple square legs. The design is helped slightly by the shaped fret to the underside of the base. It is however small and desirable where space is limited.
Early 19th century
A tiny little dresser in oak with a pot board base. Short of decoration but desirable because small.
A North Wales pot board dresser. The main body and pot board are in pine, the legs fruitwood, and the shelves and side elm-faced with pine strips. The dowelled construction is evident from the photograph. The reeled feet are a rare feature not seen on late pieces. The shaping on the sides of the rack add greatly to the attractiveness as do the good patination and original handles. c. 1750
An exceptional pine North Welsh dresser with three drawers, two cupboard doors and three false drawers in the base, as does 510. The excellent rack above has two cupboards with drawers underneath and a
remarkably moulded top cornice with an unusually complex lentil frieze. Comes from the North Wales coast.