Featured Ebony dresser

Hi could anyone tell me anything about this dresser please believe to be Victorian , thanks

 

Just found out it’s came from wales , family bought it around 1880

 

Dating seems about right or just a tad later. Probably mahogany with a finish that has turned black over time. Would call this a curio cabinet or an etagere. Believe there is another name for them in England.

 

We call them side boards or dressing tables , just bought it of a friend looks in good condition just needs a clean . Cheers

 

Its a lovely piece,enjoy it!

 

Thanks for that info, Brad, I didn't know that could happen. I thought it was ebonised, but now that I look closer, it is not completely black, there seems to be a reddish tinge.
Do you know which component causes the colour change? It may not be intentional, but it does look nice.

 

Sideboard, I'd call it. The finish looks japanned. I doubt it was made in Wales, even if bought there, it doesn't have the heaviness of a provincial piece. Have a good loook all over it for any chalk or pencil marks.

 

I don’t collect it till Friday will have a good look when I get it home

 

Old lacquers used on Victorian furniture were unstable when subjected to temperature extremes and UV radiation, oxidizing and turning black. You usually will see some alligatoring on such pieces. The use of raw linseed oil also leads to blackening. Whether or not the linseed oil was a component of original finishes could be the factor. It is possible that this dark finish is intentional on this piece. Hard to tell from the photo.

 

Thanks Brad. Always useful to know things like this.

 

The dresser as always been black , cheers

 

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Hi do you think it as any value ?

 

In the UK? It's pretty, more delicate than most, but not fashionable. £100 to £150.

 

Hi all just collected it , the information I have is it’s a morning cabinet , ebonised rosewood . Came from a shop in wales in 1875 that sold material . Hopefully post some more pictures when I get it cleaned up , cheers

 

The handles say Oaklen & sons curtain Rd but can not find any information about them can anyone please help . Cheers

 

Curtain Road is in Shoreditch, in London. Used to be lots of furniture makers and retailers there.

 

I think it’s Oakden.
They made the pulls.

 

Well spotted. That photo will be 1960s from the phone number. The building still stands: it's a trendy estate agent now. Shoreditch is wildly fashionable.