English Antique Patinated Worn Elm Chest of Drawers, Early 19th Century

ENGLISH PATINATED ELM CHEST OF FOUR DRAWERS
Raised on bracket feet; circa first quarter of the 19th century
Item # 402ZPB08Q

This gorgeous heavily worn and patinated elm chest of drawers features a rich sunbleached surface throughout that is made silky through years of handling and wax applications. The richness of the historical surface is brought to life in the elm wood utilized for all primary surfaces. Elm prized for its intricate grain pattern and sheer durability – the density of the wood is what allows it to take on such a rich patina.

The chest presents with a rectilinear silhouette, a product influenced by the Georgian sensibilities of symmetry and proportion valued during the first decades of the 19th century. It features four full-width graduated drawers, each hand-dovetailed with pine secondary woods throughout – they are hung with original brass bail-pulls. The drawer fronts showcase the expressive and varied grain of elm, each being framed in applied cockbead moldings.

Standing on simple bracket feet with a swooped base molding, the chest has a solid and grounded appearance that is almost architectural. The backboards are a lovely nut-brown from the centuries of oxygen exposure – and they are largely untouched, other than a few supplementing nails added here and there.

A beautifully crafted chest full of life and texture, it is a piece that well-cared for will continue to bring beauty and softness to homes for centuries to come.

Measurements: 42″ H x 19 3/8″ D x 35 7/8″ W

Condition Report:
A rich surface history throughout, the elm beautifully worn and rubbed to result in a silky waxed texture throughout; heavily worn surface including scarring, cracks throughout the moldings, various repairs to the moldings throughout, all feet having substantial wear; several feet have screws resecuring the facings to the internal blocking – the back left foot is replaced; original pulls; sunbleached surface throughout; a wonderful aged aesthetic, ready to place.