Early 18th Century Walnut Escritoire

This exquisite early 18th Century walnut escritoire exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship of the Queen Anne period. Featuring a beautifully figured walnut veneer with a rich, warm patina developed over centuries, this piece offers both refined style and practical function. The fall-front opens to reveal a fitted interior of small drawers, pigeonholes, and a central cupboard—ideal for correspondence and personal effects— including the rare feature of guinea drawers hidden within the sides of the upper section, this is a feature I have never seen in my 49 years of trading. The lower section houses a series of graduated drawers with brass hardware, all standing on turned walnut bun feet. The finely shaped mouldings and book-matched veneers speak to the quality of workmanship and attention to by the cabinetmaker. A distinguished and timeless addition to any interior, this escritoire embodies the charm and transitional design influences of both the William & Mary and Queen Anne periods. The rich, book-matched walnut veneers display a deep, mellow patina developed over three centuries, while the elegant proportions and refined detailing highlight the sophistication of the era. A superb example of early 18th-century English cabinetry, this walnut escritoire would have been commissioned for an important household—used for managing estate affairs, correspondence, and records. The rich, book-matched walnut veneers display a deep, mellow patina developed over three centuries, while the elegant proportions and refined detailing highlight the sophistication of the era. This escritoire is not only a beautiful and functional antique but also a piece of social history, offering insight into the refined tastes and domestic organisation of early 18th-century. Key Features: • Period: Circa early 1700s, combining Queen Anne elegance with William & Mary architectural detailing • Veneer: Beautifully figured, book-matched walnut with a lustrous aged patina • Feet: Stands on turned walnut bun feet, a distinctive feature of the period • Interior: Fall-front opens to reveal a fitted interior of small drawers, pigeonholes, and a central cupboard • Secret Compartments: Ingeniously designed with multiple concealed drawers, including the rare feature of guinea drawers hidden within the sides of the upper section • Drawers: Lower section fitted with a graduated arrangement of a pair of short and 2 full width drawers under drawers retaining period brassware • Function: Designed for estate administration and personal correspondence in a large important country estate house/farm Available for purchase now – a rare opportunity to acquire a highly desirable and historically significant piece. “There is scarcely anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man’s lawful prey.” On occasions customers have been disappointed to miss an item as they e-mailed their enquiry instead of phoning, I would recommend that if you wished to get the piece, please call rather than e-mail. We are very friendly and easy to deal with. This Edwardian golden oak dresser base is a green product and has not affected the environment we live in. We spend time choosing the best product, an antique item that must meet the strict criteria to be placed in Hingstons of Wilton stock. Guarantee:- This Edwardian golden oak dresser base carries the Hingstons Antiques product guarantee plate which gives you the peace of mind that any item with this plate, is of the quality and condition expected when purchasing from Hingstons Antiques Limited. All our goods are individually selected by Nick Hingston who uses his experience of over 45 years of trading to select the items with the best design and condition suitable to be placed into our quality stock. PRICE MATCHING:- Antiques are unique, and it is impossible to price match in the normal way. Please consider the quality of product, and the care taken in our restoration, before deciding if you are looking at price comparison. When you choose to purchase an item from Hingstons, you will be purchasing a piece that will enhance your home. We spend time choosing the best product, an antique item that must meet the strict criteria to be placed in Hingstons of Wilton stock. Hingstons Distance selling policy:- Purchases from Hingstons Antiques Ltd give all buyers the right to cancel the purchase within 14 working days after receipt of the item, for a full refund less transport costs, on condition it is returned in the condition it was sent. Payment:- We can accept payment by bank transfer, card transaction by phone, or cheque in store for UK customers, please contact us if you are an overseas customer. Items remain on sale until payment is received.