Rare Early 18th Century English Carved Oak Hugh Castle Cabinet Chest Bookcase

Description

A rare and impressive English Gothic Medieval style Cabinet, Circa 1714. Built during the reign of King George I in honor of Hugh Lupus the First Earl of Chester and his castle. Hugh d'Avranches was nicknamed Lupus (the Wolf). His main responsibility as Earl was to fend off the Welsh.

This spectacular cabinet was made from oak and inscribed Thomas Conway Hughes and Hugh Castle Lupus with the year 1714. Features medieval and gothic carved motifs throughout. The base is centered by a sculpture of Hugh Lupus set within an arched panel with a false storage space behind. Around the sculpture are six graduated rabbet jointed drawers flanked by acanthus, foliate and figural female bust carved columns. Drawer fronts are caved with lions and dogs and open via dangled pulls.

The hutch portion of the cabinet showcases a clock concealed behind a glass display door at the center. Clock face has Roman Numerals and is scalloped with figures around the edges, a Neoclassical Cartouche with a sheath of wheat, urn and swag motif leading to outstretched figures. Face is marked Bronn Liverpool. The clock is flanked by barley twisted columns topped with figural lion heads. The long door below the clock opens to seven smaller drawers, similar to the interior of a secretary and flanked by larger outer cabinets with shelves. Cabinet doors are intricately carved in lower relief scenes featuring armor, animals, foliate scrolls and figures. The two panels along the right are reclaimed and most likely date to the 15th or 16th century. The stiles or corners of the cabinet are ordained with ornate ribboned columns with reeding, foliate and S scrolled figural supports. Each column is topped by a grotesque lion over flowers. The stepped crown is stylized with beading and egg and dart molding. Along the sides are scrolled panels and carved hounds. This cabinet is truly a masterpiece.

In the early 18th century it was rare to have a small time piece amongst ones possessions. Something reserved for the wealthy or upper class. To have a grand timepiece and perfectly hand carved artisan period cabinet would have been unheard of. A piece only a king or elite would have possessed.

Condition

Good Antique Condition; Age related wear and distressing. Light marking and edgewear. Some old wormholding and splits to panels. Clock is missing Pendulum and Weights. We can have these replaced and the timepeice tuned if interested.

Dimensions

66"x21"x93"