A Victorian 21 Drawer Chest of Drawers Cunard Lock Maker
SKU:
£0.00
per item
A stunning Victorian 21 drawer chest with a magnificent original condition. This one is the final in a collection of chests of drawers we acquired direct from the Benton Works – lock makers for the Cunard Line and the reputedly fated Titanic. This one was found in one of the small rear workshops, still with many original lock parts and keys in the drawers.
A Short History on the Lock Works:
“Thomas Benton (born 1835) and his brother Joseph (born 1846) went to America to work in the coal mines. With the money they made they returned to Willenhall where they set up as lock makers, Thomas in premises in Newhall Street.
In about 1900 Thomas purchased a piece of land in Victoria Street where he built a family house with workshops at the back.
John Wormington Benton (b 1865) took over the running of the business from his father and in 1936 the business became a limited company, as Thomas Benton and Sons Ltd. By that time they employed about 100 people and were about the third largest employer in the Willenhall lock trade.
Over the years the company have made many specialised locks, including many ships locks, and their products were fitted to the Titanic, the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mary and later the QE2.”
The 21 drawer chest survives in wonderful historic order with numerous wear marks, knocks and that true industrial look which only comes about from been used by craftsmen, in this case lock makers.
Condition wise, the pine frame is very firm – some of the drawers are a little weary and the original paint survives with fading and loss to the top and some of the drawers. You will notice that one of the drawers has a historic repair (two strips of iron braces) which we have left rather than replace and three drawers have splits on the bases on the inside, however none of these affect its use nor look. The chest is weightier than most and possesses an appeal that’s getting scarcer.
If you are seeking a chest that’s true to its past, untouched and with real history then best grab it we may not find another!
Dimensions – Overall: Height 105.5cm x Width 117cm x Depth 46cm
Established in 2011 we take pleasure in working for private and commercial clients in the sourcing of single pieces though to full Interior Design www.malersykes.com
We appreciate that sometimes you may wish to touch and see a piece in the flesh before purchasing, if this is the case please call or email us to make an appointment (Monday – Saturday 9am-9pm). We are happy to take calls to answer any questions or if you wish to make a payment via the phone on 0121 2367740.
We include UK mainland delivery in the purchase price and utilise the services of three private couriers companies to deliver larger items. All items including furniture are suitably wrapped and padded in house in addition to our trusted couriers blanket wrapping whilst the piece is in transit. Delivery takes between 4-15 days depending on your location and we will contact you shortly after purchase to put the wheels in motion.
Please email for International, Scottish (north of Glasgow) and Ireland shipping quotes.
Any questions, please ask or mail [email protected].
A Short History on the Lock Works:
“Thomas Benton (born 1835) and his brother Joseph (born 1846) went to America to work in the coal mines. With the money they made they returned to Willenhall where they set up as lock makers, Thomas in premises in Newhall Street.
In about 1900 Thomas purchased a piece of land in Victoria Street where he built a family house with workshops at the back.
John Wormington Benton (b 1865) took over the running of the business from his father and in 1936 the business became a limited company, as Thomas Benton and Sons Ltd. By that time they employed about 100 people and were about the third largest employer in the Willenhall lock trade.
Over the years the company have made many specialised locks, including many ships locks, and their products were fitted to the Titanic, the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mary and later the QE2.”
The 21 drawer chest survives in wonderful historic order with numerous wear marks, knocks and that true industrial look which only comes about from been used by craftsmen, in this case lock makers.
Condition wise, the pine frame is very firm – some of the drawers are a little weary and the original paint survives with fading and loss to the top and some of the drawers. You will notice that one of the drawers has a historic repair (two strips of iron braces) which we have left rather than replace and three drawers have splits on the bases on the inside, however none of these affect its use nor look. The chest is weightier than most and possesses an appeal that’s getting scarcer.
If you are seeking a chest that’s true to its past, untouched and with real history then best grab it we may not find another!
Dimensions – Overall: Height 105.5cm x Width 117cm x Depth 46cm
Established in 2011 we take pleasure in working for private and commercial clients in the sourcing of single pieces though to full Interior Design www.malersykes.com
We appreciate that sometimes you may wish to touch and see a piece in the flesh before purchasing, if this is the case please call or email us to make an appointment (Monday – Saturday 9am-9pm). We are happy to take calls to answer any questions or if you wish to make a payment via the phone on 0121 2367740.
We include UK mainland delivery in the purchase price and utilise the services of three private couriers companies to deliver larger items. All items including furniture are suitably wrapped and padded in house in addition to our trusted couriers blanket wrapping whilst the piece is in transit. Delivery takes between 4-15 days depending on your location and we will contact you shortly after purchase to put the wheels in motion.
Please email for International, Scottish (north of Glasgow) and Ireland shipping quotes.
Any questions, please ask or mail [email protected].