Exceptional and Original Queen Anne Oak Court Cupboard Initialled and Dated 1721

With a truly fantastic colour and in very good original condition, this wonderful l 17th Century oak court cupboard is of a desirably small size and has a lovely deep and natural patina, even to the top boards, from centuries of use, dusting, wax and care.

The frieze with the carved initials I.E. and the date 1721 but the cupboard design and construction indicates that it was made a few decades earlier and the cartouche to the frieze was left blank in anticipation of a future celebration - perhaps the marriage of a child - and carved to commemorate this in 1721.

It is extremely rare to find a press cupboard of a small size and in such good original. The cupboards and drawers, drawer linings, interior boards, backboards and top boards and all principal are original. Feet original with some depletions and wear. The canopy supports are not stylistically correct and may be later but have considerable age and wear.

Many of these early cupboards had elements added in the 19th Century - wide flared cornices or additional elaborate carvings - but here the carving is beautiful, flowing and original, and the cupboard remains as intended by its maker.

A wonderful example of particularly good colour with only minor dings, repairs and restorations consistent with age and use.