ANTIQUE CHESTS OF DRAWERS (VENEERED) - 1680 to 1740

The art of veneering was introduced to England by Dutch and Flemish craftsmen working in and around London during the Restoration period. 

General style was three long drawers below two short. Most with over-hanging top, formed at first by a cornice, later ovalo or thumb moulding. Later pieces occasionally with caddy top.

Tops often quarter-veneered (veneer laid in four identical pieces) until about 1710; thereafter one piece, usually with broad, cross-banded border. 

ABOUT VENEER 
Veneer: Predominantly walnut; occasionally mahogany after about 1720. Also yew, mulberry, sycamore and many other burr and figured woods. Laburnum, lignum vitae, kingwood, olive-wood and others used for oyster veneers (veneers cut across the grain from small branches). Boxwood, holly, ebony, and other woods for inlay and marquetry, also occasionally tone. 

Carcases: Pine for all veneered surfaces; oak for drawer linings (except the drawer front. On these a strip of oak often concealed the pine top edge). Oak or deal carcase when japanned. 

VALUES
Prices invariably in four figures, many in five. Being particularly valuable - and rarely in totally original condition - false versions are lot uncommon. Watch out for all-oak or all pine construction. In both cases the chest probably started life without veneer; the first in the 17thC or 18thC, the latter in the late 19thC (although it could possibly be an imported Continental version). Look carefully at the construction of the drawers.