Bow Front Dresser Appraisal

Victorian Style Bow-Front Highboy Dresser

This is an antique Victorian style bow-front highboy dresser, likely constructed from a dark-stained hardwood such as mahogany or walnut, featuring prominent burl wood veneers on the drawer fronts and side panels. The dresser exhibits a rich, dark brown color with a glossy finish that shows a natural patina consistent with age. It is characterized by its ornate carved details, particularly on the cresting at the top, which displays a shell motif flanked by scrolling foliage. The top section includes a smaller, setback drawer unit with a single drawer and turned columns on either side, supporting fluted accents. Below this, the main body of the dresser features a bow-front silhouette, with a central carved panel of floral scrollwork in a lighter, possibly contrasting, wood tone (e.g., oak or a lighter veneer), flanked by two smaller drawers with brass or bronze pull handles that appear to be bail-type. Beneath these, there are two larger, full-width drawers, also with bail-type pull handles, showcasing striking burl wood grain. The dresser stands on ornate carved claw feet, typical of the late Victorian era, possibly depicting lion's or eagle's claws gripping a ball. The overall construction appears solid, with visible signs of wear such as minor scratches, dings, and perhaps some fading or inconsistencies in the finish, which are expected for an item of its age. The craftsmanship indicates machine-assisted carving and veneering, common in mass-produced furniture of the late 19th to early 20th century. The style suggests a revival of earlier classical forms, combined with the opulence of the Victorian period. Its large size and multi-drawer configuration offer substantial storage.