With our highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this spectacular and rare late 19th century lingerie chest. Among all the various forms of antique furniture that we routinely present for sale antique lingerie chests are without a question one of the most difficult to continually replace as they are in the highest demand among collectors. We have had the privilege of owning many fantastic examples throughout the years and we find them to be a continued source of delight for us as we are very fond of the rich and unique characteristics each possess and also the lovely people who tend to purchase them from us. In all of our years of collecting the only regrets we have concerning these rare lingerie chests is that we did not buy more of them earlier because they have become so scarce that we can reasonably expect to go years without finding another one of quality or distinction. The earliest examples of this form we find are from the mid 19th century American Classical movement made of mahogany however it is towards the end of the 19th century at the height of the Victorian design movement where the finest examples were produced. The grander designs of the Victorian era allowed for intricate carving details and fascinating new hardware pattern designs which have never been reproduced in all the years since. The example we now offer is perhaps one of the finest antique lingerie chests that can still be found anywhere in the American antiques market.
This lingerie chest is constructed with solid quartersawn tiger oak which has developed a golden hue and patina through years of natural aging which only time can create. The sides of this chest have upper and lower raised panel construction which provides a wonderful design aesthetic while also allowing for the wood sides to adjust to changes in humidity throughout its lifespan reducing the chance of any changes brought on from excessive changes in the atmosphere. The chest has an interesting drawer format of two half drawers beside a floral carved hatbox door over four well formed regular drawers. Each drawer is fitted with exceptional and usual brass hardware with the drawer pulls featuring barley twist designed handles and an usual central motif of what is likely a sunburst pattern with twelve rays extending from the center. The lingerie chest has a finely shaped base with rolled front legs which enhance the overall design of this spectacular piece. We are fortunate to be able to offer this incredibly rare antique lingerie chest and we sincerely hope to find a home for it where it will be well cared for and appreciated for many years. The chest measures 21" wide x 14 1/2" deep x 44 3/8" tall.
