Antique Mahogony Three-Drawer Salesman's Sample / Apprentice Chest - Reserved for SS carved ivory and rear of the back

and rear of the back

This piece is in perfect condition other than the tiny surface chip on the underside

In perfect vintage condition

somewhere between late 19th and early 20th century

which is just right

Antique Mahogony Three-Drawer Salesman's Sample / Apprentice Chest - Reserved for SS carved ivory and rear of the backThis gorgeous three drawer mahogany salesman's sample chest would have been used by a furniture maker as a visual aid to help make sales. Tabletop chests like these were also often "apprentice chests," created by furniture makers in training before undertaking full sized versions. Just stunning, I believe this one dates from the 1830s 1850s. It features three drawers (numbered in pencil on the back) with dovetailed corner joints and turned mahogany