Crafts Appraisal

Arts and Crafts style chest with cabinet and drawers

This is an Arts and Crafts style chest, likely crafted from quarter-sawn oak, characterized by its visible grain and warm, medium brown finish. The piece features a complex façade with a combination of drawers and a cabinet door. On the left side, there are three functional drawers, stacked vertically. The top drawer has an ornate, possibly hammered brass or copper, drop-pull handle with an escutcheon. Below it, the second and third drawers feature similar, though slightly simpler, drop-pull hardware. Each drawer front, as well as the stiles separating them, is adorned with vertical reeding or fluting, a common decorative element in the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasizing handcrafted quality. The top drawer also features a keyhole with a decorative brass surround. To the right, there is a single cabinet door, also detailed with vertical reeding for aesthetic continuity. The cabinet door and drawers are framed by stiles and rails that also incorporate vertical reeding. The top surface of the chest appears to be a flat, solid piece of wood, showing some minor wear consistent with use. The overall construction suggests sturdy, utilitarian design, typical of the early 20th century. The piece sits on what appear to be small casters or feet, visible on the lower left, indicating it was designed to be movable. The wood shows a rich patina accumulated over time, with some minor scuffs, dings, and variations in finish visible, suggesting authentic age and use. There are no obvious signs of significant damage or repairs, although a thorough inspection would be required to confirm. The craftsmanship is indicative of the period's commitment to quality materials and honest construction. Its estimated age would be late 19th to early 20th century, likely between 1890 and 1920.