Mahogany dresser

Hi,

Would you say its worth doing restoration on this dresser? I believe early 1900 item.

Thanks!

 

Its lovely and looks to be in great condition. It probably wouldnt take much to get it looking good. Stupid question,but does that top drawer slide out?

 

I was thinking the table top lifted up ..!!!!

 

The wood is Gorgeous !!! ... Joy.

 

All that needs to be done to that piece of furniture, is to give it a nice wipedown with Old English Furniture Stain!!!

 

Apparently it is mahogany crotch veneer. I am not sure how the top opens, there was another piece of furniture on top. There is a hole in the bottom drawer where the keyhole is missing.
Was told too expensive at the price in the shop, but things get reduced....

 

I would bet it does because of keyhole in front, similar to some period william & mary chests where top front moulding is actually a secret drawer.

 

There are no drawer pulls at all. I wonder if they are all panels that open with keys? That seems odd for a chest of drawers or a dresser.

 

I agree! Pull on the key looks like the only way to open the drawers - seems odd to me for such large drawers. Way too much stress on the key I would think. Now if there were holes where previously installed pulls used to be, that would be more "normal" to me.

 

Just a little "furniture feed" wax n' feed is all it appears to need. Don't "restore."

 

Is this a knob do you think? If so, perhaps there were similar ones that have been removed. I can imagine I see some possible spots where simple knobs could have once been (but I've previously admitted to seeing cloud pictures so it could just be my imagination).

 

Huh, well here is a similar piece that also has no knobs.
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/69828115_french-louis-philippe-crotch-mahogany-chest

 

Not enough pics to determine age of this. May be older than you think.

 

big strong keys !!!

 

LOL, Yeah, somehow i don't think so, more likely hidden finger pulls that the camera is missing.

 

Thank you for that link! It includes one picture of a drawer that is open.

Interesting!

 

This similar chest gives a description including how the drawers are opened by keys. Of course that assumes they know what they're talking about. It's a beautiful style.

https://yolagray.com/product/antiqu...lnut-chest-drawers-circa-1850/?v=7516fd43adaa


Description:
Here is an example of a fine quality antique French Louis Philippe flame mahogany and walnut chest of drawers, circa 1850, in good condition. Comprising of a solid walnut panelled & cleated top, with a stepped moulding below, there is a secret cushion fronted drawer (which can be opened from underneath), with three further large drawers underneath. The drawer fronts boast stunning top quality mirror matched flame mahogany veneers, with the original brass key escutcheons and lever locks. The chest also retains its four keys (one for each drawer). Inside, the drawers are lined and hand dovetailed in solid chestnut. The sides of the chest are constructed from solid figured walnut and the back from pine. The chest incorporates curved corners, with a fine moulded beading to the frame and plinth. The chest stands on the original bracket feet.

This style of French chest was designed without drawer handles in order to accentuate its clean simple lines. The drawers were designed to be pulled open by its keys, which is why there are four keys in total.

 

Weird! I am guessing this opening drawers by separate keys was not real popular, I have never seen one.

 

Beautiful. I've never seen one either.

 

Very attractive chest, very impractical as well, unless you kept the keys in their locks all the time which kinda defeats the purpose.