This charming early 19th-century American oak chest of drawers arrived at our workshop in pieces, ready for a careful restoration. Its construction reveals a truly handmade, rustic quality, with visible tool marks and endearing details that give it character — some might call them ‘folksy’ or naive, but they are a testament to the skill and individuality of its original maker. Perfect for lovers of authentic antique furniture, this piece celebrates the warmth and charm of rural American craftsmanship.

The interior had all but given way, with numerous pieces too damaged to save — fractured, weakened by woodworm, or simply missing. The original front apron looked charmingly naive but was poorly designed, with very little contact between its components, making it fragile and prone to collapse.

The original softwood drawer runners, dividers, and back were replaced with sturdy oak, giving the chest renewed strength and durability. After dismantling the frame, we carefully removed all old adhesive and re-glued the joints. The rebuilt frame was then pinned with oak dowels for long-lasting stability.

A new back was morticed neatly into the leg frame, while the new front apron was expertly tenoned at the edges to slot perfectly into the top leg mortices — preserving the chest’s classic design while enhancing its structural integrity.

The drawers were carefully dismantled, cleaned, and re-glued before being perfectly refitted, restoring smooth functionality while keeping their original charm intact.

All repairs were carefully colour-matched and sealed with rich shellac, blending seamlessly with the original oak while protecting and enhancing its natural warmth.

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