1680-1720 Dresser & Rack
This is an L-shaped dresser and rack that was built in to the oldest house in the oldest town in England in 1680-1720. I bought it from the owner of Ye Old Neptune Inn in 1993. The size is 9'_6" x 6'_6" and 7'_10" high. It is made of oak, elm, ash, and popular. It is in very good condition.
It was owned by the owners of the Old Neptune Inn, Peter and Margaret Horsman. I have an article "Period Property UK - A Colorful Past and Present" that talks about the inn. The Neptune Inn is listed as a "Grade l Historic Building." A very rare treasure, indeed.
Other
Yes
Hi Douglas,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. So that I may best assist you, can you please upload a few better images, including some detail shots showing the joinery and construction so I can verify if this is as old as it is claimed to be?
Thanks!
Delia
The above pictures conclude that this dresser & rack is pre William & Mary. Also, when I bought this antique I was with an appraiser, Euri, that was hired by the Queen to evaluate her furniture.
The pictures show butt joints, half lap joints, bridle joint corners, and trench joints. All old type joints.
Where is the apprasial?
Hi Doug,
The market for early Welsh dressers (the term for the combined two-part rack and base) has dropped in recent years from a high market in the late 1990s where these could reasonably be expected to bring $30,000-50,000; at the moment, early ones are more likely to bring $5,000-8,000 with exceptional ones selling between $10-15,000. I agree that yours is better but as with many semi-unique pieces, the risk is over-valuating these.
Based on the photographs and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A rare English Baroque oak and elm L-shaped Welsh Dresser
late 17th/early 18th Century
with ash and poplar secondary woods
PROVENANCE: previously built into the Old Neptune House in Ipswich, England, a Grade I listed property
$25,000-35,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary
Peter Housman, the owner, wrote on the invoice, "A very rare late 17th / early 18th e 1680-1720 L Shaped Dresser and Rack. He is considered a specialist in 17th century furniture in "Period Property " article published in December 2002. Will get more pictures.