The rectangular moulded top above two short and three long graduated drawers with original brass handles and S-pattern keyholes, on shaped bracket feet, faint inscription '1779'
37 in. (94 cm.) high; 38½ in. (98 cm.) wide; 20½ in. (52 cm.) deep

Christie's, London, 23 May 2013, lot 22

Specified lots (sold and unsold) marked with a filled square ( ¦ ) not collected from Christie’s, 8 King Street, London SW1Y 6QT by 5.00pm on the day of the sale will, at our option, be removed to Crozier Park Royal (details below). Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite.If the lot is transferred to Crozier Park Royal, it will be available for collection from 12.00pm on the second business day following the sale.Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Crozier Park Royal. All collections from Crozier Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only.Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com.If the lot remains at Christie’s, 8 King Street, it will be available for collection on any working day (not weekends) from 9.00am to 5.00pm
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd

Brought to you by

Lot Essay

The chest exhibits the restrained characteristics common in Thomas Chippendale's work, including the extensive commission for Ninian Home at Paxton House, Berwickshire, between 1774-91 and for Sir Edward Knatchbull, Bt, at Mersham-Le-Hatch, Kent between 1767-79. Gilbert praised this 'neat plainness' that 'underlines a basic quality which informs many more richly styled solid mahogany pieces' (Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1972, vol.I, p.272).
Closely related chests were supplied in 1759 for Dumfries House, one of Chippendale's more significant commissions, but these are attributed to Alexander Peter, whose contribution at Dumfries was analysed in Rufus Bird, 'Who was the "Dumfries House Cabinet-Maker"?', Christie's sale catalogue, 13 July 2007, vol. II, pp. 7 - 11. Importantly the present lot features the S-pattern escutcheon (and accompanying original key) distinctive in the work of Chippendale, and the same beaded handle pattern as a commode at Paxton House of circa 1774, illustrated in Anthony Coleridge, 'Chippendale, Interior-Decorator and House-Furnisher', Apollo, April 1963, pp. 295 - 302, fig. 10.