Valuation reference
V623531-59
Guarantee line
A Queen Anne carved and paneled oak mule chest.
Description
The boarded hinged cover with a carved scroll surround on a stipple ground to three sides, the front with guilloche and scroll carved terminals flanking triple panels, each with a lozenge carved medallion, the base with two foliate scroll carved drawers, the short sides each with three plain panels, on later square pad feet, later hinges and restorations.
Date
Early 18th century
Size
H 82 cm, W 149 cm, D 56 cm A/F
Extra notes
This impressive mule chest is in nice restored condition. The category benefits from first hand inspection. It appears to be of earlier date than late 18th century to which I originally thought. There is a narrow frieze rail to the construction which could suggest that these are old replacements. Often these chests were of plainer form and subsequently received additional carving.
The top is unusual as it includes an attractive carved surround which is generally not the case. it is unmatched and by a different hand to the remaining carving and that could suggest that some of the decorative detail has been added, possibly even in the late eighteenth century, though it was in the Victorian period that decorative carving was often added to early oak furniture.
The category continues to be admired but there is not the strength of demand that was to accrue during the second half of the last century. Auction houses were to see rising prices as British, European and American buyers eagerly sought these pieces to meet the widespread demand on both sides of the Atlantic. There are fewer oak collectors and these pieces have less relevance for many of the younger generations as they pursue the present fashion for modernism and minimalist interiors.
Despite this it merits the price achieved in valuation especially considering the age and long history the item has silently witnessed. The following book on early oak furniture with multiple illustrations may be of interest to you. Mule chests are discussed on pages 368 and 369 though less glamorously described as chests with drawers.The author is Victor Chinnery and the book title is `Oak Furniture The British Tradition'. It is published by the Antique Collectors Club. First published in 1979, it has been subsequently re-printed and your reference library may also have access to a copy.
shipping
Collection only on this a courier you can arrange yourself. Collect from Wellington, Telford. Easy to move from a ground floor flat 2 people only is plenty not to heavy either 👍
Returms not accepted
Please note I paid to have it restored by an Antique specialist Timothy Warr Staffordshire antiques restoration which cost over £300.00 alone. You can call me 🤙🏻 on 07393216875