Description

Late 17th-Century English Walnut Slant-Front Bureau
Dimensions: 37″ W x 19.5″ D x 40.5″ H

A fine late 17th-century English slant-front bureau, crafted from solid walnut and beautifully adorned with burled walnut veneers. The fall-front desk opens to reveal a well-appointed interior featuring a series of pigeonholes, small drawers, and a central cupboard, providing ample storage and organization. The writing surface is supported by pull-out lopers, a hallmark of period craftsmanship.

The exterior boasts three full-width drawers and one smaller top drawer, each fitted with later brass escutcheons and swan-neck handles. The rich patina of the walnut highlights the elegant grain patterns, further enhancing its warm, inviting character. While originally supported by bun feet, the bureau now rests on later bracket feet, a possible late 18th-century alteration.

This piece exemplifies the refined yet practical design of late Restoration-period furniture, bridging the transition into the William and Mary style. A distinguished and functional antique, it remains a timeless addition to any collection or interior setting.

This piece is in good condition. There are areas of veneer loss to the top and apron that have been repaired. Over the years, per the usual, the veneer on the fall front has experienced some separation, but it is all firmly in place and very stable. The feet are later, possibly 18th Century, replacements. In all likelihood the piece would have originally had bun style feet, but being made of walnut, few have survived the years. The brass is later as well, but I believe it is from the early 18th Century. There are some shrinkage gaps in the drawer bottoms. Due to shrinkage, the bottom drawer sticks out just a tad when pushed in. This can be seen on the pics. There are numerous other surface and finish imperfections, replaced nails, cracks, dents, dings, and scratches that one would expect to find on a piece of this age.