With the lasting beauty of heirloom furniture, this magnificent Antique English Oak & Beveled Glass Miniature Cabinet is exquisite in every detail. Found at a recent London market, this exceptional, hand-crafted piece dates from the mid 19th-century and was the skilled work of a fine artisan. The harmony, proportions and balance of the chest demonstrate the workmanship and attention-to-detail dedicated to producing the ever-increasing (and ever necessary) lifestyle appointment accessories of the Victorian age.

Originally built to store and display a gentleman's pipes, as well as cigars and tobacco, the left cavity of the chest includes a convenient rack with which to support and display the long pipes in which tobacco was customarily used during the era. The right cavity would originally have held a tin of the owner's preferred tobacco brand or blend, and the lower compartment and drawers would have been convenient to keep matches, playing cards and a small supply of cigars at the ready. 

Unlocking the chest releases the lower front panel and doors to reveal the space within. Long devoid of tobacco (and smoke), this delightful chest would make an idyllic spot to display fine pens and inks, store sewing or craft supplies, preserve special mementos and trinkets or your most precious jewelry. Resplendent with a similar proportion and craftsmanship that would have been devoted to a full size piece of cased goods in this time, the cabinet boasts two miniature pocket doors that swing open and slide fully into the center out of sight. Framed in oak, the thick beveled glass creates a magnificent impression for the cabinet's precious contents. 

Each corner is embellished with a graduated capital column that supports the breathtaking top with its graceful pillow-effect. With intricately cast handle hardware, escutcheon and a working key, this cabinet is truly one of a kind. With all the most desirable hallmarks of English hardwood furniture from the exciting Edwardian era, this elegant and refined miniature is of extremely rare quality and will certainly become a beloved addition to your home.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. Key included. 13.625"H x 13.125"W x 7.75"D. 

Learn More About Miniature Furniture

Miniature furniture has long fascinated collectors both in Europe and America. It is important, however, to note the difference between various types of miniature furniture. Some furniture was made for use by children in the nursery, such as stools, tables and the still commonly found child’s chairs, approximately half size. Doll’s house furniture, approximately 1/10 to 1/12 (to full size), were not only play pieces, but larger examples were used to teach young ladies household management.

The collector of miniature furniture however, is usually interested in pieces of 1/8 scale, which may have been masterpieces, apprentice pieces, models, samples and show pieces. In 18th c. France, young men were apprenticed to Masters who were members of guilds. Usually the apprentice learned his trade for six years and made pieces under the Master's tutelage for a further three years.

While full size examples of furniture were more commonly made for examination in 18th century France, by the 19th century, miniature examples were used. 

In England, under the Statute of Artifices of 1563, a man could by law only become a master craftsman after serving an apprenticeship of seven years. It was stated that “Until a man grows into 23 years, he for the most part, although not always wild, is without judgment and not of sufficient experience to govern himself.”

Surviving finer pieces of miniature furniture point to a craftsman showing skills as if for examination and approval. For example, a chest of drawers can have complicated inlays, crossbanding between and on the drawers, working locks, gilt brass handles, and an interior revealing shaped drawers and cupboard, etc.

In England, miniature furniture was used as advertisements in shop windows of furniture makers and retailers. A potential purchaser could examine the piece and discuss extra cost details, such as further inlays or choice of woods such as oak, walnut or mahogany. Equally important was the traveling retailer going to the small town or country house where the customer could be shown a miniature example, the viewing of a three dimensional example being more effective than only sketches or drawings.

Further 18th and 19th century miniature pieces were made for particular purposes. For example, miniature pianos opened to reveal a work box interior, or miniature chest of drawers were used as cosmetic cabinets.

Whatever the reasons for the existence of miniature furniture may be, they do have great appeal in just being tiny versions of a full sized piece. And then wondering if an apprentice boy made it for practice and perhaps gave it to his sweetheart? Did a child play with it, as a very special toy? Or is the attention to scale and detail so perfect as to make it a sample to tempt customers to order a full size one? Perhaps it is the mystery unsolved that holds the key to the attraction of miniature furniture. 

*Miniature Furniture history courtesy of Andrew Jenkins of Incollect