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:
A Biedermeier chest of drawers standing on tapered legs, in a typically Bavarian, austere Cubist style, with no overhanging top panel and no emphasised plinth.
The perfectly symmetrical cherry wood grain pattern on the front consists of a total of six veneer sheets cut consecutively from the trunk. The dark, coat-of-arms-shaped key escutcheons provide a striking contrast to the warm hue of the wood.

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

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 strip.

In the photograph showing the rear panel, one can see the tapered ridge strips mortised into the sides, into which the drawer runners are fitted. This purely traditional joinery technique, which requires no screws or dowels, is typical of the period in which the piece was made in the early 19th century. There is also such a ridge strip beneath the top panel – it stabilises the panel and prevents the wood from warping.
On the back panel there is also an old transport label and an owner’s inscription. Whilst the inscription places the chest of drawers in Berlin, the owner’s name is distinctly Bavarian, which further underlines the piece’s South German origin.

Interesting facts:
Chests of drawers with an integrated writing surface were particularly popular in the early 19th century, as they met the requirements for both functionality and space-saving design. Particularly in the often cramped living conditions of the urban middle classes, they offered the opportunity to integrate a fully-fledged writing space into a piece of furniture with an understated design. They were widespread throughout Central Europe, but particularly in southern Germany and within the Danube Monarchy.

Condition:
Restored and suitable for everyday use, with a hand-applied shellac polish.

Price: This writing chest has already been sold. I regularly have similar models in stock, so please do get in touch if you are looking for a comparable piece of furniture.