Summary:
• Circa: 1680
• Provenance: Lancashire, England
• Period: Charles II
• Rare small / proportions
• Protruding cornice
• Trailing vine carved decoration top rail
• Raised diamond shaped panels
• Turned “acorn” shaped drop pendants
• 2 floral & lozenge carved door panels
• Ring turned decorative split spindles
• Central floral carved panel
• Trailing vine carved decorative frieze
• Recessed door & side frame panels
• Reeded rails & styles to doors and sides
• Original crisp carvings throughout
• Traditional peg construction
• Internal secret storage shelf (below cornice)
• One piece cupboard (does not dismantle)
• Fantastic original colour& patination
• Solid in joint
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & Southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
This is a fine quality antique Charles II oak court cupboard, circa 1680, in good condition, with rare small proportions, believed to originate from the Lancashire region, in the North West of England. This type of cupboard was typically used for storing kitchen utensils and food. The top section incorporates a small protruding cornice, with a trailing vine carved rail below, flanked by diamond shaped panels and turned “acorn” shaped drop pendants. The top section of the cupboard incorporates a central floral carved panel, flanked by ring turned split spindles. To either side of this central panel is a hinged door, which incorporates floral and small lozenge carvings, enriched with punch work. Interestingly, the inside of the top section incorporates a secret storage shelf, which is located below the cornice (ideal for storing valuables). The base section incorporates two large inset frame panel doors, constructed with reeded rails and stiles (feet), secured with iron “H” hinges. There is an internal fixed shelf. Both the top and lower section doors feature later turned oak knobs. The cupboard frame and doors have been constructed in the traditional pegged construction method.
This piece of furniture does not dismantle but because it has rare small proportions overall (for a court cupboard); it is relatively easy to move and access doorways. All in all, this is a beautiful piece of antique furniture.
To quote from the book, “Oak Furniture, The British Tradition” (Victor Chinnery): “Apart from the tester bedstead, the great press / court cupboard was the most important and prestigious piece of furniture many small households could boast. As a type, they first appeared in the second half of the 16th century, and continued to be made in remote areas until the beginning of the 19th century”. This cupboard could have been made for or donated as a wedding present to a newly married couple. It would have provided significant storage space for utensils and food.
This item features a rich dark red “oxblood” oak colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.
This item would look superb in a variety of rooms including the hallway, kitchen or dining room. This item would certainly grace any home and is a great investment, as it is extremely functional. So don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Provenance:
We believe this piece to be of northwest counties provenance, most likely, Lancashire or southern Lake District. The overall design of the piece, specifically the trailing vine fine curled style of carvings to the top rail and frieze below the top drawers, were largely associated with this area (Source: Oak Furniture, The British Tradition, by Victor Chinnery).
Condition Report:
This item is in good condition, which is commensurate with its age. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. All doors and hinges are in good working order; they close comfortably (they are not warped) and all doors feature working locks and keys. The carving to the front of the piece is original. The oak knobs and upper door hinges are old replacements, with later door closing “ball” mechanisms. There has been some restoration to the base, including the addition of later boards on the lower section of the back of the cupboard. The top section of the backboards and roof boards are original. This piece has been sympathetically restored & cleaned inside. The item is solid in joint and stands firm on the ground (it does not wobble).
Dimensions:
Height = 146.7cm or 57¾” or 4ft 9¾”
Width = 143.6cm or 56½” or 4ft 8½”
Depth = 52cm or 20½” or 1ft 8½”
Floor to shelf ledge = 99.7cm or 39¼” or 3ft 3¼”
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Ref. Cupboard Court 16