The chest with an adjustable ratcheted top with a bookrest and candleholders, above a retractable writing surface with a brass handle and key escutcheon to the front, over an arrangement of two short drawers with shaped fronts and two long drawers, all with brass handles and keyhole escutcheons “(with keys), the panelled and waxed back allowing it to free stand, on shaped bracket feet.

The first edition of Chippendale’s Director from 1754 included drawing chests/tables with ratcheted tops as did The Universal System of Household Furniture by Ince & Mayhew where they are described more broadly as ‘writing and reading tables.’ This piece is also indicative of the growth in production of metamorphic furniture which reached its zenith in the Regency period.

The shaped upper corners of the short drawer fronts is a highly unusual - possibly unique - little detail, adding to the charm of this piece.