1840-1860 Antique OAK CLOTHES PRESS ARMOIRE CLOSET

Updated September 24, 2026

NO SHIPPING - LOCAL PICKUP ONLY > A substantial mid 19th century paneled clothes press, wardrobe or armoire, measuring 84" tall x 40" wide x 10" deep, not including the projecting removable crown. The form combines a tall single paneled door above a broad deep lower drawer, with a shaped bracket base and an open scalloped apron beneath. Comparable American wardrobes from the mid 19th century use paneled doors, molded cornices, bracket feet and lower drawers, with documented examples dating from the 1840s through the 1860s. The cabinet is constructed in mixed hardwoods, with oak strongly evident and chestnut or butternut possible among the secondary woods. The lower drawer is joined with three broad hand cut dovetails at each side, visibly irregular in width and spacing, confirming hand cabinetmaking. The case is largely paneled, with a removable projecting crown, original working door lock and key, turned wooden drawer pulls and a deep full width drawer below the main compartment. Especially notable are the elaborate rope like mouldings applied vertically along the front corners and horizontally beneath the crown, visually framing the facade. Small pierced fretwork brackets ornament the upper corners of the door opening. The lower front terminates in a deeply shaped apron with symmetrical ogee or S curve scallops flowing into substantial bracket style feet, producing the broad architectural base associated with mid 19th century case furniture. The original interior has been altered during later use. Added woodwork now forms shelves and smaller cubbies where an entertainment system was once installed, and a portion of the center back was removed to accommodate wiring and equipment. These alterations are readily visible and distinguish the later interior reconstruction from the original exterior cabinet work. Despite those interior modifications, the exterior remains a notably well preserved example of a large 19th century storage form. The paneled door, crown, mouldings, fretwork, lower drawer, shaped apron and original lock remain intact and retain a pleasing aged finish. The cabinet can continue to serve as an armoire, clothes press, wardrobe, linen cabinet, bookcase or general storage cabinet, while the later shelving also allows practical modern use. CONDITION REPORT > Well preserved overall considering age, materials and later interior reconstruction. Added interior shelving and cubbies are not original, and a portion of the center back has been removed. One piece of wood is chipped and missing at the lower right, and a small corner section of the rope like moulding is lacking, both shown in the photographs. Expect varying elements relative to age, use and materials.

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