Early 18th Century George I Highly Figured Walnut Double Dome Bookcase on Chest

An exceptional and original highly figured George I walnut double dome bookcase on chest, circa 1720-1730. To the bookcase, original surmounted walnut finials on moulded chimneys sit above well-shaped moulded double dome arches to the front and sides.

The shaped break-arch doors with original hand-bevelled mercury mirror plates sit inside moulded and feather banded frames above candle slides, opening on shaped gilt-brass chased strap hinges to reveal the four-pin lock, shaped gilt brass clasps and four double-D moulded and grained shelves. Raised on two short over three long oak-lined graduating drawers, each double book-matched and framed to each side with fine feather-banding and cross banding.

This technique appears to have originated in the workshops running down the Southside of St Pauls Churchyard in the first quarter of the 18th century, which housed some of the most renowned cabinet makers of the time. It should be noted that pieces such as this are rare; rarer still, in original condition, with all original features, to include: chased brass furniture, feet, finials, shelves, mirror plates and possibly most crucially untouched patinated surfaces.