Rare Queen Anne Walnut Feather-banded Bureau with Original Handles c. 1715

The bureau in two parts with upper lift off writing desk and lower chest with side carrying handles.

Made at a time when the fashion for the large scriptors of the William and Mary period was waning and a smaller form of writing desk became desirable. This bureau neatly demonstrates that transition and pre-dates the 'one piece' bureaux of the Georgian period.

The small brass handles are original and have tiny knock marks beneath the rings where these have lightly touched the surface over three centuries of use. The escutcheons and locks are original also as are the drawer linings which are in oak. The fall lowers smoothly on original hinges to sit firm and flat on the lopers and the lock is original and has a working key. The interior is of a simple linear form, correct for period, with attractive hand carved detailing to the bottom of each divider. The small inner drawers all oak lined.

The feet original with hand hewn supporting blocks beneath the bureau, the thickly cut walnut veneers are continuous to both side panels and extend to the feet tips. The backboards of wainscot oak and large dovetails are visible beneath the bureau in fixing the bottom boards, early second phase construction. Minor dings, marks and small veneer repairs, some depletions to the very bottom of the feet, the drawer runners have been professionally re-tipped in oak where worn with use and fine oak fillets have been set into the dustboards to prevent wear.   Again very high quality work and the bureau has been professionally and lovingly restored by an expert at some point in the last 150 years.  This has ensured it will continue in fine function and fettle for centuries to come.