An early 19th Century well-figured and faded mahogany miniature bowfront Chest of 2 short and 3 long graduated drawers. The Chest retaining original brass handles, with crosshatched inlay to the front, supported on bracket feet with shaped apron.
 
Apprenticeships in England from the time of the Stuarts in the 17th century to the modern era are normally seven years in the making.  During the 18th century you normally began an apprenticeship in cabinet making around the age of fourteen. This charming miniature chest of drawers was probably an apprentice piece.  They were made as samples to advertise the skill of the craftsman,  or as window decoration to advertise the wares within.
 
Miniature furniture has been in production since the 17th century.  See page 178 '18th Century English Furniture - The Norman Adams Collection' for an illustration of a rare Queen Anne bureau bookcase.  Another example of miniature furniture is in the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.  Two dolls, dating from 1690-1700, known as Lord and Lady Clapham, are sitting on two caned-back chairs dating from the 17th century, with the dolls in period dress, they are enchanting.