Dimensions (cm): 205 x 91 x 46

Year: 1890's

An early 19th century mahogany Estate Cabinet, the upper section with a cyma recta moulded cornice over a pair of recessed panelled doors inscribed in gilt in the late 19th century with various Country Estate-related matters such as 'Title Deeds and Covenants', 'Artisans Contracts' etc, the lower section with two smaller recessed panelled doors inscribed 'Private Use Only, keep locked at all times', the interior with a mix of folio divisions, pigeonholes and drawers.

Estate Cabinets of this type were used on English Country Estates by Estate Managers who ran the estates, much as a company manager runs a company. The cabinets contained all financial documentation relating to the running of the estate and were thus an essential part of estate management. Such cabinets were made throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, often by the estate carpenter who worked at the relevant estate. Our cabinet can be dated based on certain stylistic attributes: the cyma recta moulded cornice, based on a classical architectural moulding, was used on English furniture throughout the reign of George III (1760 - 1820), as were recessed panelled doors and plinth bases. Now that many estates have not survived or are run by the National Trust or English Heritage, these cabinets are seen by collectors are the embodiment of a bygone, 'Downton Abbey', era.

Bar Code: 10214