English Edwardian Antique Satinwood Three-Door Armoire Wardrobe C. 1880s

EDWARDIAN INLAID-SATINWOOD MIRRORED THREE-DOOR ARMOIRE WARDROBE
England, ca. 1880
Item # 403UHV18Z

An unusually nice and relevant three-door armoire from the Edwardian period, this very fine wardrobe presents with the vibrant nearly blonde satinwood veneers with their typical golden firey grain profile. The wood is all but extinct now and has always been cherished for its incredible figure. Brilliant pictorial displays of inlay feature prominently in both doors, across the crest with several rosette motifs and on all of the vertical stiles. The hand-forged custom hardware is made to match the motif of the inlays.

The heavy mirrored front door is opened to reveal a well-considered interior with four open linen drawers over a pair of side-by-side drawers over two graduated full-width drawers, all hung with bail pull hardware and being made to the standard typical of the period with incredibly tight hand-cut dovetails. The right and left side feature an open upper with hardware for hanging clothing over a single deep drawer.

A partial remnant of a label on the back that appears to date from the late 19th century shows this piece being moved by a storage company to an illegible address in France, quite a journey from its starting point in England. The craftsman was clever in designing the piece to be easily broken down into many elements for safe travels: the crest removes, the right and left side unscrew from the center section, which then lifts out after the door is removed.

Built to last the test of time, this very fine piece will continue to serve for generations to come if well cared for.

Measurements: 85 3/8″ H x 87″ W x 23 5/8″ D

Condition Report:
Historical surface with wear, old oxidized scuffing, ever-so-slight blistering of inlays, one brown stringer inlay with some buckling, hairline cracks in veneers here and there; other blemishes and wear as expected; no keys; hardware for hanging clothing on the inside is added and remains functional; some silvering loss to the mirror; some veneer losses around the feet; a very fine presentation.