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1st June 2012, 11:54 AM #1
What... you mean it's not 1792?
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A George II Virginia Walnut Chest of Drawers
I have been contemplating a mid-eighteenth-century Virginia Walnut chest for some time, but until lately, I didn't have any records of one. I could have drawn on several decades of experience and constructed a chest in the style of, but I much prefer making faithful copies – insofar as I'm capable of – either from extant examples (I have dimensions and dozens of patterns taken from original pieces of furniture) or from photos and descriptions from reliable sources.
Recently however, I located a picture of a quality example …
Fig. 1. George II Virginia Walnut chest of drawers, c.1755. (Christie's)
With the introduction of the Naval Stores Act in 1721, reduced tariffs saw Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) arrive into Britain from Virginia in great quantities, but Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole abolished all taxation of imported timber in 1733 which act heralded the beginning of the age of mahogany. The use of walnut for such a modish chest at this date is therefore comparatively rare; however, with its Chippendale bracket feet and mouldings, the chest is very much in the 'mahogany' style.
One issue I have with this particular chest is the handles which, although of a commensurate date, are of later implementation. I enlarged the image and discernible scars on the drawer fronts tell of earlier circular backplates.
Fig. 2. Replaced drawer handle.
Fig. 3. Compare the green circles with the ring marks in fig. 2.
I'll make a punctilious decision when the time comes and select more appropriate handles..
I know you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I'm not sure you realize that what you just read is not what I meant.
Regards, Woodwould.
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1st June 2012, 12:21 PM #2
FIG Woodworks, Gentleman Woodworker
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Looking forward to this one WW. Ah... which drawer will be for the jocks and which one for the socks?
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I´m not so sure about the universe.
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1st June 2012, 12:25 PM #3
Senior Member
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Beauty...I'm in early for one of your threads. Front row seat for me.
As an aside WW, I was at my local auction last Weds and as I walked in, my eye was drawn to a large bookcase with glass doors set inside ebonized timber. Much like leadlight but timber instead of lead. It really caught my eye as something very special. On checking the catalogue it was described as "Georgian Bookcase"
Ah hah...Georgian! The style WW works in! I'm beginning to see the attraction you see in that period.It seemed to stand out head and shoulders above everything else in the room.Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections....
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1st June 2012, 12:34 PM #4
What... you mean it's not 1792?
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They're in the W &M walnut chest I made a while ago. This one will be the napery chest.
Originally Posted by Phil Spencer
Originally Posted by Grandad-5
My plan is to convert as many lost souls as possible before I depart.
.
I know you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I'm not sure you realize that what you just read is not what I meant.
Regards, Woodwould.
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1st June 2012, 12:36 PM #5
GOLD MEMBER
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Thought you were past the baby-raising stage WW? Originally Posted by Woodwould
They're in the W &M walnut chest I made a while ago. This one will be the napery chest.
My plan is to convert as many lost souls as possible before I depart.
I could live with that, make two will you?
Swap a couple of knife boxes for one?
One drawer maybe...
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1st June 2012, 12:51 PM #6
What... you mean it's not 1792?
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I'm running out of space, so I might be tempted to move this one on when it's finished so I can make something else. Originally Posted by mic-d
Thought you were past the baby-raising stage WW?
I could live with that, make two will you?
Swap a couple of knife boxes for one?
One drawer maybe....
I know you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I'm not sure you realize that what you just read is not what I meant.
Regards, Woodwould.
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1st June 2012, 01:16 PM #7
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Not even with my bag of silver and two knife boxes thrown in could I barter such a deal, but if it becomes your fast intent to move it on then I would be interested - until I hear the price! Originally Posted by Woodwould
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1st June 2012, 01:31 PM #8
What... you mean it's not 1792?
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Have you got any old nags I could render down? Originally Posted by mic-d
Not even with my bag of silver and two knife boxes thrown in could I barter such a deal, but if it becomes your fast intent to move it on then I would be interested - until I hear the price!.
I know you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I'm not sure you realize that what you just read is not what I meant.
Regards, Woodwould.
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1st June 2012, 02:21 PM #9
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No old nags, no. At least none that belong to us. But I could throw in a horse's portion of the end result to sweeten the deal Originally Posted by Woodwould
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1st June 2012, 02:26 PM #10
What... you mean it's not 1792?
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Let me think on it... Originally Posted by mic-d
No old nags, no. At least none that belong to us. But I could throw in a horse's portion of the end result to sweeten the deal.
I know you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I'm not sure you realize that what you just read is not what I meant.
Regards, Woodwould.
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1st June 2012, 02:47 PM #11
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I'm converted, and as always, follow with great interest. Originally Posted by Woodwould
My plan is to convert as many lost souls as possible before I depart.
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1st June 2012, 07:28 PM #12
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I'm in.
The time we enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
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1st June 2012, 10:00 PM #13
Wood Planner
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Got my rocking chair ready and waiting with interest. WW I'd like to especially see how you do the draw fronts with the beading around them.
SBPower corrupts, absolute power means we can run a hell of alot of power tools
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2nd June 2012, 12:17 AM #14
Luddite Lite
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Woodwould, is black walnut easy to come by? I imagine not.
I look forward to the progress!
Cheers...I'll just make the other bits smaller.
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2nd June 2012, 08:48 AM #15
Mildly Moderate
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I can not say that I am converted but I do like these work in progress. I also seem to spend more time looking at furniture these days.
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