William and Mary Style Burled Walnut Chifforobe or Gentleman's Wardrobe
Storage: Chifforobe/Small Wardrobe with Drawers · William and Mary Revival (Early 20th Century, 1920s-1930s) · Likely a Mid-Western American manufacturer such as those in Grand Rapids, Michigan (e.g., Berkey & Gay or Sligh).
Type
Storage: Chifforobe/Small Wardrobe with Drawers
Style Period
William and Mary Revival (Early 20th Century, 1920s-1930s)
Material
Walnut veneer with high-contrast burled walnut panels, solid wood structural components (likely poplar or pine secondary woods), brass hardware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1935 (Depression Era furniture)
Dimensions
Approximately 54" H x 32" W x 18" D (Standard compact wardrobe scale)
Origin
United States, likely manufactured in the Michigan or North Carolina furniture hubs.
Designer/Maker
Likely a Mid-Western American manufacturer such as those in Grand Rapids, Michigan (e.g., Berkey & Gay or Sligh).
Value Estimate
$150 - $400 (Auction value range based on current market trends for 20th-century brown furniture).
Description
A classic Depression-era storage cabinet featuring the rich figuration of burled walnut. The upper section consists of twin cabinet doors with elegant arched moldings, while the base contains two wide drawers. The piece stands on short cabriole legs with pad feet, a design hallmark that references early 18th-century English aesthetics. It offers a sophisticated visual impact through its symmetry and the natural 'flame' patterns of the wood.
Key Features
Tombstone-arched door panels, book-matched burl patterns, short cabriole legs, batwing brasses.
Color & Finish
Medium to dark brown walnut stain with a high-contrast amber burl; original lacquer finish showing heavy oxidation, bloom (cloudiness), and wear.
Construction Method
Machine-manufactured during the early 20th-century furniture production boom; features book-matched veneers and machine-cut decorative moldings.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Machine-cut dovetails on drawer fronts; flush-set panel doors with applied arched moldings; commercial-grade cabinetry for the Middle Class market.
Wood Grain & Species
Book-matched Burled Walnut (likely Circassian or American Walnut) used on the central door panels and drawer fronts; straight-grain walnut frame.
Surface Treatment
Arched applied moldings creating a 'tombstone' effect on doors; hand-sanded cabriole feet with pad endings.
Upholstery Details
None
Hardware & Fittings
Swan-neck batwing brass drawer pulls on bottom drawers; small keyhole escutcheon on upper cabinet doors; likely original patinated brass.
Origin & Provenance
United States, likely manufactured in the Michigan or North Carolina furniture hubs.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface wear, localized finish loss on edges, and haziness to the lacquer. Structural integrity appears intact, but the feet show scuffing.
Interesting Facts
During the 1920s, 'Revival' styles allowed middle-class families to own furniture that mimicked the silhouettes of 17th-century royalty at a fraction of the cost through the use of thin veneers.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of American industrial furniture manufacturing before the Great Depression stunted production.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Queen Anne style, but distinguished by the heavier proportions and the specific arch-topped 'William and Mary' cabinetry style.
Care & Maintenance
Requires cleaning with mineral spirits to remove old wax followed by a high-quality paste wax. Avoid modern aerosol sprays. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further veneer lifting.
Value Estimate
$150 - $400 (Auction value range based on current market trends for 20th-century brown furniture).
Sustainability Notes
Highly sustainable as a vintage item; preservation of original materials prevents landfill waste and utilizes superior old-growth veneers not available today.