Summary:
• Item: Court Cupboard
• Circa: 1680
• Provenance: South West, England, UK
• Period: Charles II
• Carved nulled frieze
• Turned drop pendants
• Two lozenge carved small door panels
• Central floral inlaid panel
• Recessed door & side frame panels
• Carved lunette apron
• Reeded rails & stiles to doors and sides
• Geometric scratch work carving to frame
• Brass door knobs
• Pin hinges top doors
• Original iron butterfly hinges to lower doors
• Original crisp carvings throughout
• Original panelled backboards
• Traditional joined peg construction
• Two piece cupboard
• Fantastic original colour & patination
• Solid in joint
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & Southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
Description:
This is a fine quality antique English Charles II oak court cupboard, circa 1680, in good condition, boasting a lovely colour and patination, which was sourced from the South West of England. This type of cupboard was typically used for storing kitchen utensils and food. The top section incorporates a carved nulled decorative frieze, flanked by turned drop pendants. Below, the top section incorporates a central fixed panel, depicting a carved flower head, flanked by lozenge carvedpin-hinged doors, set within a reeded mouled frame. The two small doors feature later brass knobs. The lower section of the cupboard incorporates two large inset panel doors; constructed with peg joints and decorated with reeded moulded rails, secured with the original iron butterfly hinges. One of the doors retains an oak knob, which appears to be original, and also a working lever lock (with key). There is an internal shelf in the lower cupboard section. The cupboard stands on its original channelled stiles. The stiles also feature reeded mouldings that trail up either side of the cupboard. The cupboard frame and doors have been constructed in the traditional joined pegged construction method. The cupboard retains the original panelled backboards.
This piece of furniture dismantles into two sections, for ease of transport and access into the house. All in all, this is a stunning piece of early period oak 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:
This cupboard was purchased from the South West of England, where we were told it had resided for several generations.
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). The carvings to the front of the cupboard are original. The two small doors to the top section of the cupboard feature later brass knobs. The oak turned knobs on the lower door is most likely original. The lower cupboard doors retain their original iron butterfly hinges. The left hand door incorporates a working lever lock (with key). The panelled backboards are original. The top section of the backboards and roof boards are original. This piece has been wax polished in our workshop. The item is solid in joint and stands firm on the ground (it does not wobble).
Dimensions:
Height = 173.2cm or 68⅛” or 5ft 8⅛”
Width = 147.8cm or 58⅛” or 4ft 10⅛”
Depth = 54cm or 21¼ or 1ft 9¼”
Shelf height = 116.5cm or 44⅞” or 3ft 8⅞”
Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.
Ref. Court Cupboard 19