An antique Harness cupboard, also known as a Livery cupboard, was originally used for holding and storing horse and harnesses equipment. Antique harness cupboards usually have wooden pegs in the top section for hanging and drawers below. They are very useful pieces of antique furniture and are still used today as kitchen cupboards or hall cupboards, ideal for hanging coats and storing away shoes. As they were built mainly in the 17th and 18th century, they are quite primitive in their construction, made from solid Oak, with traditional wood pegged dowels and old clout nails. Antique harness cupboard fittings are usually made from Iron, with H hinges and rustic handles. These very attractive cupboards are constructed from the finest English solid oak and because of their early origins, this inevitably mean they are full of charm and character as one would expect with a piece well exceeding 200 years in age, along with a beautiful patina. Here on antiques world we do get some beautiful examples for sale and you can see our current selection here on our cupboards section of our website. We also do get some lovely country pieces that would compliment perfectly and we also have a few examples below.
Styles of Antique Harness Cupboards
Below are some previous examples that we have sold and if you are looking for a specific design, please email us to join our wanted list.
This Georgian Period Antique Oak Livery Cupboard / Harness Cupboard, dates from around 1760 and is made of pegged construction. The doors have raised fielded panels with moulded edges and the interior has the original oak back boards with oak pegs.
This Regency Antique Oak Welsh Harness Cupboard is a substantial piece of antique furniture. It would be more suited as a wardrobe in today’s home. It has a moulded cornice above a deep flamed mahogany frieze flanked by decorative concentric circles. The doors are framed by delightfully turned spiral columns. The interior of the cupboard contains two rails of hanging pegs, ideal for coat hangers!
This delightful period oak antique harness cupboard dates from around 1720. It has a small moulded cornice above a beautifully decorated carved frieze in a leaf and berry design.
This country house Feel, Period Oak Antique Harness Cupboard is of pegged construction and dates from around 1700. It has a moulded cornice above a central cupboard door and panelled sides all with raised fielded panels.
This Spectacular Late 18th Century Country House Georgian Period Oak North Wales Cwpwrdd Deuddarn Cupboard / Court cupboard / Dresser dates from ca. 1790 and has a moulded cornice above a drop pendant frieze with a pair of Ogee fielded panel doors with two frieze drawers and a pair of fielded panelled doors below.