5th Sep, 2023 10:00

Fine Interiors

 
  Lot 49
 

49

A camphor wood and brass campaign secretaire chest

A camphor wood and brass campaign secretaire chest,
19th century, the folding writing slope encasing an arrangement of drawers, above two short drawers and two long drawers, with brass-inlaid decoration,
90cm wide
48cm deep
102cm high

The Estate of the Late Malcolm Frazer.

Take advantage of our Sworders Delivery Service. Please see 'Shipping estimate' below.

The Estate of the Late Malcolm Frazer

We are once again privileged to have been entrusted to disperse hundreds of lots that have been treasured by custodians for generations, including items from the collection of the Cheshire-based dealer, the late Malcolm Frazer. Below, his wife and family detail his inspiring life of passionate and expert collectorship.

For over fifty years, Malcolm held a prominent position as one of the foremost dealers in the north of England, but his journey began with an apprenticeship at Heaton Tabb and Company Ltd. in Liverpool during the 1950s and early 1960s. Later, he ventured to Manchester, where he collaborated closely with Terence Conran in the establishment and management of the first Habitat store outside of London, situated on John Dalton Street, Manchester.

In the early 1970s, Malcolm opened his first antiques shop in the town of Stockport, specialising in marine and scientific antiques while also dealing in fine and decorative furniture and artwork. He embodied the true essence of a dealer, traversing the length and breadth of the country in an unending quest for the next great find. For over two decades, Malcolm exhibited at the distinguished Olympia Fine Arts and Antiques Fair, as well as the esteemed Chelsea Decorative Fair.

Throughout his long tenure in the trade, Malcolm formed numerous friendships, not only with fellow professionals but also with private clients. This was in no doubt a result of his eagerness to always share his vast knowledge and expertise with those around him, endearing himself to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Upon deciding to retire, though one never truly retires from the trade, Malcolm focused on another lifelong passion - music. As a devoted jazz enthusiast, he indulged himself by becoming something of an impresario during the last twenty years of his life. At his home in Cheadle, Cheshire, he hosted concerts and invited musicians from around the world to perform, delighting those jazz aficionados who attended these memorable events.

Malcolm leaves behind a legacy of excellence in the world of antiques, interiors, and jazz and we will cherish and remember his impact on the community, as well as his dedication to his passions, for years to come. 

 - Iris, Michele, Richard, and Andrew Frazer

Sold for £1,350


Condition Report

Areas of loss and lifting to the stringing and inlay. Splits, knocks, losses and wear to veneer throughout. Scuffs and marks. Wear and damage to interior, with the compartment within the fall seemingly stuck. Fall hinge functional. Drawers generally run smoothly. One escutcheon lost. Joints generally sound and solid. Knocks, wear, losses and repair to feet. Overall in need of a little cosmetic attention, but fairly structurally sound. The feet certainly show patination, wear and damage that is consistent with age, and appear to have been with the chest for a significant amount of time, however we have no knowledge of its life or ownership prior to the Malcom Frazer Collection, so cannot guarantee that they are original. Please see additional photos.

 

IN PERSON

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Please note that we normally offer this service for lots with an estimate of £500 or higher and all telephone bid requests must be received by close of business the day before the auction.

Auction: Fine Interiors, 5th Sep, 2023

 
Including furniture and works of art from the 17th century to the present day, our Fine Interiors sales present fine traditional design alongside an eclectic selection of decorative arts from around the world, demonstrating how easy it is for antiques to be incorporated into the modern home.
 
 

Viewing

London Viewing | Highlights

A selection of lots will be on view Thursday 10 - Tuesday 29 August at our London Gallery, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ, as follows:

Monday-Friday, 11.30am - 5.30pm 

Saturday, 1pm - 5pm

Sunday - Closed

Monday 28 August - closed for the bank holiday

For more information, please contact 0203 971 2500 | london@sworder.co.uk 

 

Stansted Viewing | Auction

Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:

Friday 1 September, 10am - 5pm 

Saturday 2 September, 10am - 2pm 

Sunday 3 September, 10am - 2pm 

Monday 4 September, 10am - 5pm 

All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description. 


The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE. 

View all lots in this sale

Please note that this item is not suitable for a pre-sale automated shipping estimate due to the items weight/size. 

The below table shows indicative shipping costs for larger items being delivered within the UK mainland. Please note that all the below costs are purely for indicative purposes and are to be used as a guideline only. If you purchase multiple large items, we will combine deliveries to reduce the shipping costs. 

Should you be successful in buying this item, a specific shipping estimate will need to be requested after the sale using the link in your invoice email; this also includes all requests for international delivery.

If you would like further information about shipping and collection please see here.

 

Buying a pre-loved, antique, or vintage item not only provides you with unique style and value for money but it also helps to reduce landfill, and the annual emissions of an antique or vintage piece can be as little as one sixteenth of those of its new equivalent!

Sworders is proud to be supporting the work of Antiques are Green - the movement that was founded in 2009 to promote “a greener future created from the past”. Read their fascinating carbon footprint study of a Georgian chest of drawers versus a modern equivalent here

 

Antiques are Green

 

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