Antique Chest on Chests, also known as the Antique Tallboy or more commonly called a Highboy in America was first seen in the early Georgian period in England and was an adaptation from the chest on stand. Rather than the chest sitting on a stand, the antique chest on chest would completely utilise the storage by combining two chest of drawers into one. They are mainly built from Mahogany or country Oak and often come with Chippendale features such as Ogee bracket feet or blind fretwork carved canted corners. The best examples are in a figured Walnut and Oak lined with brass swan neck handles dating from the early 18th Century. Most are very tall with the two top drawers being too high to use. This is where the step top commode was used, the the Georgian or Victorian Gentleman would use this to reach into the top drawers. Although the chest on chest is large, they can go into most homes as they split into two sections for removal. They have lots of drawer storage, but in a small floor area so are extremely practical proportions for the modern home making them a very desirable piece of antique furniture. Have a look below at our lovely examples of antique chest on chests available for sale.
Below are a few examples of previously sold chest on chests, but if any particular style looks of interest please let us know as we do get many similar designs in stock and we can try to locate something similar.
Georgian Figured Walnut Antique Chest on Chest dating from around 1760. It is of the finest quality and with very desirable small proportions. A curved moulded cornice sits above three over six graduating oak lined drawers. All the drawers have moulded edges, delightfully figured walnut with cross banding and pierced brass handles with key escutcheons. It stands elegantly on shaped bracket feet and splits into two sections aiding transportation.
Stately George III Figured Mahogany Antique Chest on Chest with dental moulding below which can be found two over six graduating cock beaded drawers with oval brass handles and key with several working locks. It stands proudly on shaped bracket feet and has aged to a lovely warm medium shade of mahogany.
18th Century Chest on Chest / Tallboy having the original brushing slide that pulls out to reveal a green baize lining surface. This beautiful antique chest stands elegantly on ogee bracket feet and still boasts ownership of its original back boards.
Unusual Tall Antique Georgian Oak Tallboy which has the original brass swan neck handles and brass key escutcheons, quite unusual for a piece of this age. It can also still boast ownership of its original back boards along with clout nails! This characterful charming antique chest is remarkably relatively untouched from its 240 years of life.
Fine Regency Inlaid Mahogany Antique Chest on Chest, Dating from around 1820 is a super example of a country piece being made to fine specifications. It has a moulded cornice above a decorative inlaid frieze and two over six graduating drawers. All the drawers are beautifully figured, part oak lined and have the original decorative floral design brass handles. The drawers still contain the original blue lining paper, which is in good condition and have pine sides painted to resemble oak (a very common practice during the period and typical of a country piece). The corners of the chest are canted and have delightful inlaid decoration, providing that extra something special. This antique chest stands on shaped bracket feet and is a lovely example of a country piece at its very best.
Period Mahogany Antique Chest on Chest / Tallboy with period brass swan neck handles to their fronts. Intriguingly there is some evidence that at some point in its history the handles to the top section were changed for a different style and then the period ones later reinstated…….every antique tells a story! This typical Georgian tallboy has a simple and stylish design, oozing quality with the benefit of extremely clean and tidy inner drawers.
Tall boy with unusual shaped bracket feet having raised fielded decoration, an intricate piece of workmanship only ever achieved by a true craftsman of the period.
Chest on Chest with satinwood cross banding along with boxwood string inlay around their perimeters.
Related Reviews
John Kelly – Genuine Antique Furniture,
I purchased two items from Driscoll antiques in the past few years . A walnut bookcase , and a Walnut Chest of Drawers . Both were excellent pieces of Genuine Antique Furniture , well described , in excellent condition , and at fair prices . We still Love them .
James Driscoll was outstanding to deal with , excellent communication, and great help with shipping to Ireland .
I am getting old now ; but I am still interested .
I could not recommend Driscoll Antiques with more enthusiasm .
Honest , knowledgeable , and great to deal with .
Best of luck in the future
Regards
John
Jon,
Hello James – just to let you know we are absolutely delighted with the chest of drawers.
In fact, we could not be more pleased. Thank you.
(In addition, your couriers were bang on time and very polite)
many thanks and best regards
Jon
Ricker,
James,I received the chest this week. It looks fantastic.
Thank you for all of your help here. I was a pleasure doing business with you, could not have been an easier process.
Cheers,
Ricker
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