This small Regency chest with two short over two long drawers has a superbly crafted caddy top and has developed an excellent colour with deep rich natural patination.
Of an unusually small size it retains original brass bail handles - the oval brass oval back plates with engraved borders – and original brass escutcheons and locks.
The whole carcase is made in solid Padauk wood displaying creams, browns and reds flecked with gold highlights and interspersed with dark brown flashes. The top and side panels made in single solid boards of Padauk. The drawer fronts are thickly veneered in Padauk with original cockbeading and the drawer linings are wainscot oak, the medullary rays visible.
The drawers open and close so smoothly and have well executed dovetaile joints of a quality you see only with master cabinet makers such as Gillows.
The whole chest is original including the bracket feet and backboards. Well cared for all of its life and in completely usable condition.
Padauk is a densely grained slow growing timber, heavier than oak and less inclined to move, it is highly resistant to insects and when first cut smells of vanilla.
It has huge endurance and develops a exceptional colour. Used here in the solid, it is very rarely seen.
This is an superior quality chest of drawers with a wonderful patina and really attractive well balanced proportions.