18th Century Irish George II Mahogany Silver Chest

PRESENTING AN ‘ABOLUTELY STUNNING’ PIECE OF IRISH FURNITURE HISTORY, namely, an 18C Irish George II Mahogany Silver Chest on the most amazing Carved Stand.

Made circa 1745, by an obviously top quality maker.

This piece was made for someone VERY WEALTHY,
a ‘Titled’ person!
It still has its original brass handles, escutcheon, hinges and lock.

The chest would have been used for storing silver and probably would have been located in the Lord’s living room. It would have been displayed in a prominent place in his Manor House or Castle, as it ‘screams’ out to “Look at my enormous and high quality silver chest, I own a lot of silver and did I tell you, I’m VERY WEALTHY!”.

The Chest itself is of simple construction, solid Cuban flamed mahogany and it fits/sits onto a carved stand specifically built for it.

The base is where all the ‘action’ begins!

It is an extremely finely carved base with scrolling floral motifs, with elaborate fretwork carving, centering on a GORGEOUS and large scallop shell, flanked by a pair of spiral rosettes.

The Scallop Shell is the classic Irish Georgian furniture signature!

The legs are finely carved lions paw feet, with hairy knees.

THE BASE IS QUITE SIMPLY, STUNNING!

The piece has a GLORIOUS NATURAL PATINA throughout in the flamed mahogany.

The top is hinged and lifts to be held in place by a wooden support.

This piece is TRULY SPECIAL, HISTORICAL AND EXTREMELY RARE!
IT IS ONE OF THE FINEST PIECES OF IRISH GEORGIAN FURNITURE WE HAVE EVER SEEN!
THE BASE CARVING, IS WITHOUT DOUBT, THE BEST EXAMPLE OF IRISH GEORGIAN CARVING, WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED IN 30 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY!

Dimensions: On the base, it is 52 inches wide, 35.75 inches tall (unopened), and 24.75 inches deep.

It is 56.5 inches tall, fully open

The base/stand is 14.75 inches tall.

The Interior of the Chest is 19 inches deep.

Provenance: Bought by us at a Well Known & Internationally Recognized Irish Auction House, in Ireland 25 years ago. It was part of the contents, of an old Irish Georgian Manor House Estate.

Condition: Overall in very good original condition. One or two, very minor blemishes, to the chest lid, namely, some very minor cracks in the veneer from natural age, but not significant. No key.