18th.c. Oak Cabinet On Chest C.1720

Fabulous early 18th.c. oak cabinet on chest c.1720. Cabinets of this type were intended to function as secure storage for valuable objects and documents and, as here, often feature ingeniously hidden compartments. Two door cupboard top with a remarkable fitted interior featuring 6 pigeon holes and 14 small drawers arranged around a central lockable cupboard. Cleverly concealed behind removable panels within the cabinet are a further 18 hidden drawers! There is also a large drawer hidden in the cushion frieze below the cornice and the very top of the piece top is hinged to allow use of the space within. Chest of drawers base with two short and two long drawers of graduated height and a writing slide in the waist which is also divided into compartments and loose trays below the work surface. Dentil cornice, arched door panels, ogee mouldings and shaped bracket feet. Original lock and key. Lovely original brass handles to the interior. Oak drawer linings throughout, oak cabinet sides and pine back boards. Some earlier restorations but generally excellent colour and condition, cleaned and waxed in our workshops.