Beautifully made. I love the simple but elegant mechanism on the hidden compartment. I assume the rounded ends were to prevent people bumping into sharp corners in rough seas.
Thank you for yet another fascinating video. I have been fascinated for many years by our ancestors’ use of secret compartments. A writing slope without the usual hidden drawers seems almost a disappointment. The better concealed such compartments are, and the more intricate the release mechanisms, the greater the interest, for me at least. I’ve not seen a wall cupboard with a box such as that shown in today’s presentation, but I have had a table with a cleverly concealed drawer hidden by a moulding and we still have a Regency Pembroke table with a hidden cutlery drawer. Beyond those, I have a Victorian collector’s cabinet that features two hidden compartments (one in the base, the other in the lid); a sewing box that has a very well concealed drawer in its base; a pine blanket box that has two hidden drawers under the standard candle box and a small Jacobean ‘marriage coffer’ that very neatly conceals a base drawer. The subject of hidden drawers and secret compartments in domestic furniture (particularly bureaux, secretaries and writing slopes) is so rich and diverse that perhaps an entire book could be written on the matter. Just a thought. Once again, thank you for sharing your expertise.
Thank you Alex. That would be a fascinating book. At home I have a Georgian 1 piece double corner cupboard that has secret drawers which I was very excited to find. Not so much to find a bag of rat poison with in. !
Sir, please comment on the absence of top plank fiddles, if this is a shipboard furnishing. Hanging plank and hooks are lovely, much thanks for showing a beautiful piece of cabinetry.
Absolutley no offence taken, and I may be wrong. Sometimes, with unusual furniture it can be a case of 'our best guess'. The hanging method is a strong indicator to me though.
Beautifully made. I love the simple but elegant mechanism on the hidden compartment. I assume the rounded ends were to prevent people bumping into sharp corners in rough seas.
I hadn't thought of that but it makes sense.
Thank you for yet another fascinating video. I have been fascinated for many years by our ancestors’ use of secret compartments. A writing slope without the usual hidden drawers seems almost a disappointment. The better concealed such compartments are, and the more intricate the release mechanisms, the greater the interest, for me at least.
I’ve not seen a wall cupboard with a box such as that shown in today’s presentation, but I have had a table with a cleverly concealed drawer hidden by a moulding and we still have a Regency Pembroke table with a hidden cutlery drawer. Beyond those, I have a Victorian collector’s cabinet that features two hidden compartments (one in the base, the other in the lid); a sewing box that has a very well concealed drawer in its base; a pine blanket box that has two hidden drawers under the standard candle box and a small Jacobean ‘marriage coffer’ that very neatly conceals a base drawer.
The subject of hidden drawers and secret compartments in domestic furniture (particularly bureaux, secretaries and writing slopes) is so rich and diverse that perhaps an entire book could be written on the matter. Just a thought. Once again, thank you for sharing your expertise.
Thank you Alex. That would be a fascinating book. At home I have a Georgian 1 piece double corner cupboard that has secret drawers which I was very excited to find. Not so much to find a bag of rat poison with in. !
Sir, please comment on the absence of top plank fiddles, if this is a shipboard furnishing. Hanging plank and hooks are lovely, much thanks for showing a beautiful piece of cabinetry.
That's a good comment. Not all ship's furniture had fiddle galleries but it is a good indicator of shipboard use. This piece never had a gallery.
You are the boss obviously but you haven't convinced me at all regarding the marine purposes. No offence I trust.
Absolutley no offence taken, and I may be wrong. Sometimes, with unusual furniture it can be a case of 'our best guess'. The hanging method is a strong indicator to me though.