Featured Restored Dressing Table Information Request | Broken Handle

https://www.google.com/search?safe=...bdAhXP2FMKHb6tAPkQ1QIItgIoAQ&biw=1920&bih=889

 

Here is a link to what i am guessing is a boutique foundry in UK that is similar to USA in that they do "lost wax casting" , an ancient form of casting metal & a very cool process.
http://www.collierwebbfoundry.com/foundry-services/casting-foundry/

Video of how that is done, lost wax casting has been around for thousands of years, 600 BC or so.

 

That's a very nice little chest of drawers. The handles are high Art Nouveau - on their own, they'd be worth a few quid. I very much doubt it was painted originally: it's late 19th into early 20th and we simply didn't do that. Those painted ones in the link have been got at, to say the least. Sounds like some fool did the same to yours. (Don't get me started on that, there was an idiot on TV recently who WALLPAPERED an Arts and Crafts chest.) Looks as though it might be pitch pine.

With those handles, it isn't a country piece, so not for a cottage. They're marked as British Made - that was done with things that a manufacturer was proud of, to add value.

Do NOT junk the busted handle. Go find one that has a similar pull and kludge it. Or leave it alone.

Being small, useful, pretty with nice handles and as the media have decreed brown is back in fashion, £150 or so.

 

Since you are in the UK, may I suggest that you dig up (or buy on ebay) a book called, English Country, by Caroline Seebohm and Christopher Simon Sykes. Check out the chest in the bedroom on page 165. And then check out all the similar "I-like-it-isn't-perfect-who-cares?"

For this reason, and many others, this is my favorite non-fiction book.

 

Much easier since you have the backplate and only need a new bail and pull. Start by measuring the distance between the two bails, center to center. These are standard sizes so once you know the size you can find a working replacement. From there it is a matter of matching style. How close a match you want to find is up to you; if you try hard enough you can find a very close replacement. Look on ebay, look at flea markets, etc.: here's one that is fairly close from a two minute look at ebay - spend more time and you'll find something closer: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antique-...an-Drawer-Bail-Pull-Handle-1800s/263857031442