Mahogany Bow Front Chest

Chest Description

Upon first sight of this Victorian period chest, it is clear that it exhibits an incredible level of quality and detail. Crafted around 1890, the wood used in the making of this chest is a mix of flame mahogany, cathedral mahogany and rosewood banding. The banding runs along the edge of the bow front top as well as along the face of the chest, where it complements a small banding of flame mahogany at the top and skirt; on the skirt, the banding continues on the sides. This produces a kind of framing effect around the cathedral mahogany drawer fronts, which feature a lovely contrast of solid brass hardware. Uniquely, the turned feet remain in impeccable condition, indicating that this chest was not only finely crafted but also well maintained. The four large drawers, of course, were constructed with hand-cut dovetails, yet another indicator of fine quality. The top has developed some separations between the boards, which naturally occur in all solid wood furniture (this chest is solid oak with thick mahogany veneers), although the separations were filled in during a recent restoration, which also featured a new French polish, which basically involves a new, revitalizing coat of wax over the wood. Overall, therefore, given its incredibly strong structure, this chest remains in excellent condition for a piece of its age.