Featured Help with age & why the handles?

Hi, I just picked up this lovey drawer unit, I love it but wondering if anyone could let me know an approximate age, also do you think the side handles are original seems a bit strange? Thanks.

 

Can't tell age without seeing some construction details. What I can see makes me think this has some age to it. Handles could be original. Sometimes found on smaller pieces of furniture one might want to move around for use. Think this fits the bill with those multiple drawers. Some kind of work table/chest. More pictures are in order and let us know what you know about it.

 

Hard to tell about the handles without a close-up...but they look well-placed, so my guess is original...bwdik?

 

Hi verybrad & wlwhittier thanks for your reply’s, hard to believe but I saved it from going to the dump so I don’t know anything about it except I love it, still haven’t found the spot to put it but as you say the handles are handy for moving it about. I’ve attached some photos but don’t know if they will help with age? Thanks. MrD

 

Nice save !!!!!!!

 

I like the handles, giving it that old world chest look !!!

 

The pic of the handle says added, but some time ago...rather than as-made...but beyond that I can't add anything pertinent. Thanks!

 

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In what country is said dump? Nice find for free!

Looks to be English (or elswhere in the UK), most-likely 20th century, and probably antique or nearly so. I always have a hard time dating English furniture, as they used hand construction methods long after they were dismissed here in the US. I think this is mahogany, though it looks more like walnut on the sides, and looks to have been refinished at some point. I could go either way on the handles. Not uncommon for older furniture in this style to have them but these look a bit newish. Then again, if the entire piece is a bit newish, they could be original.

 

My thought is that the overall delicacy of the cabinet design, including the drawer pulls, contrasts strongly with the rather massive, almost clunky handles...an' that slotted flat-head screws probably date their use here to the first half 20th C. I'm certainly not very knowledgable about fine furniture, but that piece looks late 19th C or so to me.