Colonial Baltic Pine Apprentice Cabinet, South Australian

Victorian

Circa late 19th century | Australia

An elegant antique Australian Colonial Baltic pine apprentice cabinet in the form of a wardrobe made in the Barossa Valley in the late nineteenth century. Twin doors with beautiful decoration, a carved and inverted moustache shaped skirt characteristic of the Continental character (see The Gen) and turned feet. The knob-less wardrobe doors open to reveal an internal shelf with a self-contained single drawer (see The Gen). A rare and unique piece of early apprentice craftmanship.

DIMENSIONS: Height 40 cm, width 26 cm, and depth 15.5 cm.

CONDITION: The cabinet is in very good condition with wear commensurate with antique age. It is structurally sound with a lovely honey coloured patina from many years of handling.

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THE GEN

“… the flamboyant moustache-shaped pediment, known locally as a cocky’s crest or Schnurrbart … from primitive to elegant sculptured forms, these cocky’s crests adorned a variety of cupboards, dressers, food safes and even occasional bed ends.” (Memories: A Survey of Early Australian Furniture in the Collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green, Graham Cornall, Australian City Properties Limited, 1990, p. 219)

“Decorated doors frames, whilst not common on ordinary kitchen fittings, were regularly used on larger items of Barossa Valley furniture, particularly clothes cupboards and dressers.” (Memories: A Survey of Early Australian Furniture in the Collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green, Graham Cornall, Australian City Properties Limited, 1990, p. 220)

“As with many Barossa Valley pieces, the doors lack knobs and rely on a key for opening as well as locking.” (Memories: A Survey of Early Australian Furniture in the Collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green, Graham Cornall, Australian City Properties Limited, 1990, p. 236)

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