Early 18th century oak book press

A small early 18th century oak book press.

A very rare piece of early 18th century furniture, this lovely press is constructed in superbly patinated oak apart from the substantial turning screw which is in fruitwood. Below the press it has two oak lined drawers and a double arched apron with a central drop finial which is matched by the three finials on top of the press.

The arched base is reminiscent of that seen on the earliest form of Montgomeryshire dresser bases and it is almost certain that this piece is from that part of the world. It stands on four baluster turned legs with their original toes. It has superb rich dark colour throughout. The handles have been on for a very long time but it probably originally had turned brass knobs.

I have described it as a book press as in my opinion it is much more likely to have been made for a library than a bedroom or housekeeper's room.

32 1/2 inches wide x 16 1/2 inches deep x 57 inches high overall.

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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