A Fine Quality Victorian Mahogany Six-Drawer Shop Counter c.1870-80
SOLD
Origin: British
Period: Mid/Late Victorian
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1870-80
Height: 36.25“
Width: 57.5“
Depth: 30“
Of desirable proportions, the fine mahogany shop counter having six drawers at the rear with the original brass shell cup handles, the wonderfully richly figured timber of splendid colour, with mahogany paneled front and left flank, the right flank in oak, the front with very well carved scroll and leaf mounts, the whole sitting on a plinth base and surviving from the early Victorian period.
The counter has been waxed by us and remains in desirable original condition showing a patina and colour that you rarely find so good, it is exceptional. The top has some colour variation from one half to the other, with one half obviously having been covered by table top counters. There is only one deficiency to note which is that the lower two corners to one side have been cut out, obviously to fit a particular set up in a shop whereby the oak flank to this counter was adjoined to either a wall or another piece of furniture. These sections could be restored if so desired and matched in. She is structurally sound and all the handles are original. The carcass is heavy and the quality of the timber used is high. The top can be removed if so desired for transportation.
When the Victorian period began most retail shops were small and the counter was the main focus of the shop whether it be for the dispensing of drugs or the ordering of drapery, for instance. Self-service stores were virtually unknown and as such goods were kept in drawers, boxes, tole-ware bins and storerooms. Customers stood in front of the counter and explained what they wanted; the shop worker then brought the items out for the customer to see. That is why you see such a healthy patina to the mahogany on this piece, with the wear to the top being the most prominent.
With an exquisitely rich colour this is a versatile, desirable and attractive piece of useful period furniture.
Period: Mid/Late Victorian
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1870-80
Height: 36.25“
Width: 57.5“
Depth: 30“
Of desirable proportions, the fine mahogany shop counter having six drawers at the rear with the original brass shell cup handles, the wonderfully richly figured timber of splendid colour, with mahogany paneled front and left flank, the right flank in oak, the front with very well carved scroll and leaf mounts, the whole sitting on a plinth base and surviving from the early Victorian period.
The counter has been waxed by us and remains in desirable original condition showing a patina and colour that you rarely find so good, it is exceptional. The top has some colour variation from one half to the other, with one half obviously having been covered by table top counters. There is only one deficiency to note which is that the lower two corners to one side have been cut out, obviously to fit a particular set up in a shop whereby the oak flank to this counter was adjoined to either a wall or another piece of furniture. These sections could be restored if so desired and matched in. She is structurally sound and all the handles are original. The carcass is heavy and the quality of the timber used is high. The top can be removed if so desired for transportation.
When the Victorian period began most retail shops were small and the counter was the main focus of the shop whether it be for the dispensing of drugs or the ordering of drapery, for instance. Self-service stores were virtually unknown and as such goods were kept in drawers, boxes, tole-ware bins and storerooms. Customers stood in front of the counter and explained what they wanted; the shop worker then brought the items out for the customer to see. That is why you see such a healthy patina to the mahogany on this piece, with the wear to the top being the most prominent.
With an exquisitely rich colour this is a versatile, desirable and attractive piece of useful period furniture.