ANTIQUE COURT CUPBOARDS WITH ENCLOSED SHELVES
About 1610-1800
Aprestigious item in the 17thC, much less so in the 18thC, when it was only country-made. Used for displaying and storing food and plates, cups, in the hall (later in the parlour) where meals were taken. Originally made without locks, therefore not intended to contain valuable items. Earliest surviving examples date mostly from about 1650.
In Wales, called a deuddarn; a tridarn when a third stage is present.
STYLE AND APPEARANCE
Generally in two cupboarded sections, the upper cupboard shallower than the lower (providing a display shelf), with a projecting cornice and frieze. Until about 1630-1640 this was linked to the base by turned baluster supports (until approximately 1610 bulbous and carved, then plain and elongated); thereafter replaced by small pendant turnings. Frieze carved and sometimes surmounted by shallow moulding (often a later addition).
Upper section with two cupboards, typically enclosing a decorative central panel, behind which may be a secret shelved compartment. Lower section with ornamental frieze above variously panelled doors and, in the 18thC, a frieze of two (or three) short drawers. Plain panels at sides. Stile feet.
In the 17thC stiles, rails and muntins usually
18thC Welsh , oak tridarn with arched and fielded panels.
moulded; in the 18thC plain, with fielded and sometimes arched panels.
MATERIALS
Principally oak; sometimes walnut, elm, beech etc. (though survivals are rare). Holly, bog oak, boxwood, bone used for inlay; sometimes ebony and ivory.
OTHER CUPBOARDS
Various other joined and decoratively carved cupboards were made for similar purposes. Some have areas of pierced carving to allow air to circulate inside. Often-mentioned types include: aumbries, hutches, livery, game or bacon cupboards. Conformation and value vary considerably. Check construction, finishes and use of timbers to determine authenticity and date.
CONSTRUCTION
Framed and panelled with pegged mortiseand-tenon joints. Chamfered edges to panels. Turned supports and pendant dowelled into place. Backboards and top nailed on. Applied
A 17thC oak court cupboard with carved mouldings glued. Drawers on 18thC pieces dovetailed; linings rebated and running on bearers. Inner shelves approximately + inch/I cm thick.
Watch out for Victorian ‘carve-ups’ and for marriages of lower and upper halves (further details, see p. 89).
DECORATION
Carving, principally on friezes and upper panels (these are often arcaded), but can be more extensive. Generally greater geometric emphasis than on open-shelved type. Occasionally applied mitred mouldings and split turnings (see CHESTS OF DRAWERS, EARLY PANELLED OAK, p. 84). Inlay of geometric and floral patterns (sometimes with birds) or chequer inlay of bone (or ivory) and ebony quite common.
Handles and hinges: Turned wooded knobs and generally exterior flat iron hinges in 17thC; brass knobs or handles and interior brass hinges in 18thC.
FINISH
Varnish or oil polish, followed by wax polish.
RELATIVE VALUES
Much more common than open-shelved variety, but still fetch four-figure sums; only very late examples in three figures.
Late medieval oak livery cupboard.