Antique 18th/19th century oak Apothecary Cabinet, lock and key, 12 drawers, vgc

A substantial antique oak apothecary cabinet with 12 drawers, apothecary scales and pestle

In detail we have the following:

• the two iron door 'H' hinges are of a very early 18th century design. They are both secure and work perfectly. They are attached to the door and carcass via hand wrought nails which is a feature typically found on 18th century furniture

• the elegantly carved fielded door bears a brass escutcheon of 18th century design

• I have replaced the lock to one more sympathetic to the age of this cabinet. It came with a modern, shiny brass lock. It now has a steel lock and working key

• the oak door has what I suspect is burr walnut inlay. The colour of this inlay bears a striking similarity to American burr walnut. This is not inconceivable as there was substantial trade with the American colonies in the 18th century, and imported walnut could very well have been used when this cabinet was constructed

• the door opens to reveal 12 enclosed drawers each carrying a Queen Anne style loop handle These are commonly found on very early 18th century items of furniture. Two of the enclosed drawers are replacements as the colour is different from the remaining 10, and they are shorter in length than the recesses into which they fit. Some of the loop handles may not be original to the piece. All 12 drawers sit together very well.

• there is a single unenclosed drawer towards the bottom. This is a later addition, and bears rectangular beading on the front face. I have placed a set of apothecary scales and a pestle in this drawer as I had these spare and they complement the cabinet very well. Under this later drawer (on the base of the cavity) there is some extremely small writing on a paper label. Having examined the text with a magnifying glass the majority of the text is a list of dates. The other data seems to relate to the measurements of specific substances

• around the perimeter of the door is a band of burr walnut veneer. The veneer is 2mm thick. This indicates that the cabinet was constructed in the 18th century when it was not possible to produce the much thinner veneers of later years

Summary

This is a substantial apothecary cabinet (though it may of course have started life as a spice cabinet)  

It has a lovely warm, waxed patina. 

It could be wall mounted via 'Z' hangers if so desired. It is a heavy item.

For collection only from Buntingford (East Herts. SG9)

Please see my other items which are predominantly 18th and 19th century in date