Early 18th Century Dutch Oak Cabinet c. 1710

A very handsome large oak cabinet with substantial frieze drawer with central partition over twin panelled doors with hand carved arched mouldings and single fixed shelf inside.

The cupboard with a twin boarded and cleated top and fielded panels set in ogee borders to each side. The lovely large bun feet, back boards and drawer lining are also original. The drawer with side rebates opens and closes smoothly, running along the internal bearers. The oak bottom boards of the drawer in excellent condition and running from front to back which is the correct construction for this period. No later timbers other than two 19th century slim oak supports which have been added to the side stiles behind the cupboard doors, each with an extra lower (hidden) brass hinge which takes the weight of the doors and allows them to open and close smoothly. I assume the original hinges were becoming a little worn and dropping the doors a little after 300 and more years of use. The handles are original drops with split pin fastening and substantial square backplates, the escutcheons and hinges are original also and all of the hardware is solid heavy brass and with lovely foliate engraving. Lock to drawer is original, locks to the cupboard doors are old but in our view later.

The lower back boards with some old worm and rot, some old worm holes to feet and the top boards have some shrinkage cracks, stains and marks. All consistent with great age and use but actually in remarkably good and remarkably original condition. Shelf original also.

A really good and early oak cabinet, peg jointed throughout and entirely usable and practical offering a great deal of storage space.