A Commonwealth incised and painted oak panelled chest, Dorset mid-17th century

with boarded and moulded hinged cover and the frieze centred by a lock plate between the incised initials 'IL' above a triple panelled front with stylised tulips in geometric sprays within elliptical borders

Good with excellent colour and patina throughout. The cover with typical separation and there is an old fragmented loss on the rear left corner of the cover. Front tidy with indications of former escutcheons/attachments and old partial split and wear on this lock site. Old fragmenting visible on the front right foot. The sides and rear tidy considering age and use. The interior with later batons on reverse of cover to secure separation and loose lock catch with old fragmented timber on this site. The iron loop hinges are probably original. The lock is probably an old replacement and key lacking. Trenching from a former till. Separation to floor. A lot of fragmenting to feet. This Dorset chest is a good example and retaining height in the feet and with attractive decorative details.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For a comparative see Victor Chinnery, Oak Furniture, The British Tradition, Woodbridge, 1979, p. 136, pl. 8. This example is of a nearly identical design. Chinnery writes (op. cit. p. 137) 'The decoration of this chest is typical of a small group of chests from Dorset, some dated early in the 1650's. The designs are drawn out of with a thinly incised V-gouge line, and the spaces coloured with a thin paint or stain. The red and blue-black stains are used only for accent, and much of the wood was left uncoloured.'