Low chest of drawers - English TV cabinet in Cheppendeale mahogany
L’ESTAMPILLE — Navilly
1 250,00 €
Antique English Chests of Drawers
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The antique English chest of drawers is defined by the quality of its timber — Cuban or Honduran mahogany, walnut, oak — and by the precision of its cabinetmaking. From the restrained elegance of Georgian chest of drawers to the serpentine and bow-front forms of the Regency period, and the richly carved lines of Chippendale furniture, each era produced a distinct decorative vocabulary. Cast-brass hardware — bail handles, pierced backplates, ring pulls — is often the first reliable clue to dating and authenticity.
Browse below a curated selection of pieces offered by specialist dealers in English furniture, each listing including detailed descriptions, dimensions and provenance information.
Georgian, Chippendale & Victorian English chests of drawers from professional antique dealers
3 objects found
How to choose and authenticate an antique English chest of drawers
Authenticating an antique English chest of drawers begins at the back and underneath: hand-cut dovetail joints on the drawers are irregular and slightly uneven — a hallmark of pre-1860 craftsmanship. Drawer bottoms in thick, straight-grained timber and a back panel of rough-sawn boards are equally telling. Any drawer base in industrial plywood signals either a later manufacture or a partial restoration that should be reflected in the asking price. Secondary timbers — poplar, pine or oak depending on the region of origin — should show a patina consistent with the claimed age throughout.
The key periods to know: Georgian furniture (1714–1830) favours solid mahogany, slender proportions and cast-brass hardware; the Hepplewhite and Sheraton styles introduce broken-arch pediments, satinwood crossbanding and stringing in fruitwood or boxwood; the Victorian era (1837–1901) tends toward heavier forms in figured walnut or flame mahogany, often fitted with ceramic or cut-glass knobs. If you are furnishing a study or library, consider pairing a chest with one of the antique English secretaires available on the site for a coherent period ensemble.
On the question of budget, a good-quality antique English chest of drawers in honest condition typically sells between £400 and £1,500. A Georgian piece in solid mahogany with original brass hardware can reach £2,000–£4,000, while examples attributed to a named London cabinetmaker or carrying documented provenance regularly exceed £5,000. Always check the condition of any veneers, the flatness of the top and the smooth running of the drawers — worn runners or warped drawer fronts are repairable, but must be declared and priced accordingly. Bow-front mahogany chests of drawers remain among the most sought-after forms on the current market.
On Antiquités en France, every antique English chest of drawers is listed by a verified professional dealer who can supply additional photographs, a provenance certificate and care advice on request. Contact the seller directly before purchasing — a knowledgeable antiquaire will always welcome a serious enquiry.
Frequently asked questions about Antique English Chests of Drawers
How do I date an antique English chest of drawers?
Examine the drawer dovetails — hand-cut joints are irregular before around 1860. Cast-brass bail handles point to the 18th century; turned wooden or ceramic knobs suggest Victorian. The foot style — cabriole, bracket or turned — and the primary timber also help place a piece reliably between the early 1700s and the late 1800s.
What woods are typical of antique English chests of drawers?
Cuban mahogany dominates the Georgian and Regency periods. Walnut is characteristic of William & Mary and Queen Anne pieces. Victorian examples often use figured or flame mahogany, or American black walnut, sometimes with satinwood or boxwood crossbanding and stringing as decorative accents.
What is the price of an antique English chest of drawers?
Expect to pay £400–£1,500 for a sound, honest example. A Georgian mahogany chest with original brass hardware typically fetches £2,000–£4,000. Pieces attributed to a notable London cabinetmaker or with documented provenance regularly exceed £5,000 at auction and in specialist dealer stock.
How should I care for an antique mahogany chest of drawers?
Apply a natural beeswax polish twice a year and avoid silicone-based products, which clog the wood grain. Keep the piece away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent veneer lifting. If a veneer does lift or blister, have it re-laid by a conservator experienced in period English furniture.
Can antique English chests of drawers purchased on Antiquités en France be shipped internationally?
Yes. Each dealer arranges shipping on their own terms. Request a transport quote before purchasing, specifying the delivery floor and any access restrictions. For large pieces, specialist fine-art carriers offer bespoke crating and ad valorem insurance to ensure safe delivery across Europe and beyond.