The antique scotch chest is the name for a large 19th Century chest from the north of England and Scotland, usually of large tall proportions with lots of drawer space. Antique Scottish Chest of Drawers are impressive, certainly a statement piece with a wonderfully figured front, displaying quality and beauty in abundance. The main body of these quality chests contains unusual graduating drawer configuration, having a concealed cushion drawer and a deep shaped centre hat drawer. This central drawer was designed to fit a top hat in. Most will have original turned handles and are fronted by the most delightfully figured flamed Mahogany. They are framed elegantly with carved corbels or Turned columns and stand robustly on chunky turned bun feet. It is quite common to see Mother of Pearl inlaid on the turned handles as a centre piece. These substantial Antique Scottish Chest of Drawers will be ash lined so are very heavy pieces of antique furniture and built to last. This is why you can still see some really nice examples in such good condition today. Here on Antiques world we get some spectacular examples and to see a few below or to see our full selection of period chests please click here.
Styles of Antique Scottish Chest of Drawers
We do get some beautiful examples for sale and below are a few that we have previously sold.
This antique chest of drawers dates from the William IV period, circa 1835, is made from beautifully figured mahogany in a typical Scottish design and is of the finest quality. It has a rectangular top above a wonderfully figured frieze drawer below which are three smaller drawers. All the drawers are free gliding, another example of how fine a piece this truly is.
Dating from around 1870 in the Victorian period this Scottish antique mahogany chest of drawers has relatively large proportions with unusual carved side panels. The two over three graduating, cock beaded drawers have turned inlaid handles, and delightful diamond shaped inlaid key escutcheons. The drawers are framed by beautifully carved upright side panels, these being quite unique in design. The whole chest stands on chunky bun feet and is full of the character and charm expected in a well used and loved piece.
This magnificent quality antique chest of drawers is constructed from mahogany and is in the typical Scottish design. It has a rectangular moulded top above a concealed umbrella oak lined frieze drawer. Below this can be found three deep beautifully shaped ‘hat’ drawers over three graduating cock beaded drawers, all being oak lined with original turned mahogany handles. The sides have stunning column supports and decorative carvings and the whole piece stands on turned bun feet.
This Scottish Chest is quite an early example ca.1840. It has an inverted brake front top with half round moulded edge, above a concealed frieze drawer, ideal for storing all those valuables. Below this are three deep bonnet drawers (for storing top hats), the central one being beautifully cross banded. The three longer cock beaded drawers all have beautifully turned handles and striking flamed mahogany fronts. These magnificent drawers stand on an inverted break front plinth and have elegant turned column sides.
This Unusual Scottish Figured Mahogany Antique Secretaire / Chest is truly unique and comes with full history that is quite remarkable and also apparently by the cabinet makers James Mein. With a beautifully figured top with half round moulded edge and unusual brass inlay with ebonized detailing. The central secretaire has a striking flamed mahogany central panel with key with working lock and the front falls down to reveal a writing surface with several pigeon holes and four unusually figured small drawers.
