Small Antique Oak Charles II Westmorland Press Cupboard (Circa 1680)

This is a superb quality early oak Westmorland (northern counties) press cupboard featuring very rare small proportions, circa 1680.

Summary
• Circa 1680
• Provenance Westmorland, Lake District, England
• Period Charles II
• Rare small size / proportions
• Protruding carved lunette frieze
• Original crisp floral lunette carvings to doors
• 2 turned baluster corner pillars
• 2 floral lunette carved upper small door panels
• 2 larger floral lunette floral carved cupboard doors
• Reeded carcass & styles
• Pegged construction
• Recessed side panels
• Brass knobs
• 2 internal secret drawers
• Fixed lower cupboard shelf
• Fantastic original colour & patination
• Very sturdy
• Dismantles into 2 sections for easy transportation
• Free 14 days UK returns policy

This is a superb quality early oak press cupboard featuring very rare small proportions and fantastic patination, circa 1680, believed to be from the Westmorland area of the Lake District (northern counties). This type of cupboard was typically used for storing kitchen utensils and food. The detachable top consists of a recessed carved floral lunette freeze and two turned pillars, which surround three further floral lunette panels with moulded edges, two of which are working doors. These two doors feature a working lock and key. The base cupboards have feature similar carved floral lunettes to the top section and below there are two inset moulded door panels. The base cupboard doors also feature a working lock & key and a later brass knob. Inside, the lower cupboard is a fixed height shelf. The cupboard frame and doors have been constructed in the original pegged construction method and feature a reeded frame to the carcass and feet.

The sides to top and bottom have matching inset panels. The whole stands on square style reeded feet. Interestingly, there are two secret drawers hidden away in the structure of the cupboard one is in the top section and the other in the larger cupboard below. Inside the bottom section, there is shelving. This piece of furniture dismantles into two sections for easy transportation. 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 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 North Wales and some other remote areas until the beginning of the 19th century”.

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 from the hallway, porch to the kitchen or as a window seat. This item would certainly grace any home and a great investment, as they are an extremely functional. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

Provenance
We believe this piece to be of northern counties provenance, specifically, the Westmorland area of the Lake District region. The style of cartouche carvings to the upper frieze and panels were associated with this area. “The road north from Lancaster (to Carlisle & into Scotland) was in the seventeenth century the only major land route through the Lake District” (Source Oak Furniture, The British Tradition, by Victor Chinnery). This area was largely isolated and the carving style and furniture design reflected this.

This cupboard may have been made for or donated as a wedding present to a couple. It would have been one of the owner’s most prized possessions in the house. It would have provided significant storage space.

Dimensions:
Height = 152.6cm or 60” or 5ft
Width = 133.5cm or 52½” or 4ft 4½”
Depth = 48.5cm or 19” or 1ft 7”
Floor to shelf ledge = 92.3cm or 36¼” or 3ft 0¼”

Condition Report:
This item is in excellent 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 hinges are in good working order. The brass knobs and locks are old replacements. The feet are the original length and have not been cut down (which was common of items this age). This piece has been sympathetically restored & cleaned inside. The item is solid in joint and stands firm on the ground (it does not wobble). Free of woodworm, solid in joint and ready to use.