Rare C18th Virginia Walnut Bureau

Of wonderfully small proportions, this magnificent bureau comprises a well figured fall front that opens to reveal a fitted interior with two small drawers and a range of pigeon holes above a concealed storage well that sits behind a false drawer front.

Below these are two short over two long drawers with brass escutcheons and swan neck handles all raised of tall shaped bracket feet.

In excellent condition with early repairs.

'Virginia Walnut' or black walnut was native to the Eastern part of North America and began to be imported from North America in the 17th century. However, it was not until the 1720's that it started to appear in England in larger quantities. This seams to have been driven by two events. Firstly the severe winter of 1709, which killed many of the European walnut trees, coupled with a ban on its import from Europe into England making the timber more scarce.  Secondly, the Navel Stores Act of 1721, which ensured that all timber from the American colonies entered England duty free.

Virginia walnut was eventually superseded by mahogany, which became more popular from the 1750's onwards.

English, Circa 1725-1750

H: 95 cm (front/writing surface 79 cm)

W: 73 cm

Ref: DB1032