Antique Munich writing chest in cherry from the Biedermeier period circa 1820

Dimensions: H x W x D: 90 x 114 x 56 cm

Description:
Biedermeier chest of drawers standing on pointed legs in typical Bavarian austere cubism, without top panel overhang and without skirting accentuation.
The perfectly bookmatching cherry wood grain pattern of the front consists of a total of six veneer leaves cut one after the other from the trunk. The dark, crest-shaped key plates provide a clear contrast to the warm colour of the wood.

The two large lower drawers offer generous storage space, while the upper drawer serves as a writing compartment when the front is folded down. When open, it reveals a black polished work surface and three small drawers above it for storing papers and writing utensils.

The top panel of the chest of drawers is also veneered in perfect symmetry and is accentuated on the outside by an inlaid ebony edge band.

The photo of the back panel shows the tapered ridge mouldings mortised into the sides, into which the drawer runners are inserted. This purely handcrafted wooden joint, which requires no screws or dowels, is typical of the early 19th century, when this piece of furniture was made. There is also a ridge strip like this underneath the top panel - it stabilises the panel and prevents the wood from warping.
There is also an old transport label and an owner's inscription on the back wall. Although this assigns the chest of drawers to Berlin, the owner's name is clearly Bavarian, which further emphasises the southern German origin of the piece of furniture.

Interesting facts:
Chests of drawers with an integrated writing function were particularly popular in the early 19th century, as they fulfilled the requirements of functionality and space economy in equal measure. Particularly in the often cramped living conditions of the urban middle classes, they offered the possibility of integrating a fully-fledged writing desk into a formally restrained piece of furniture. They were widespread throughout Central Europe, but especially in southern Germany and the Danube Monarchy.

Condition:
Refurbished and suitable for everyday use with a shellac hand polish.

Price: 3600,-€