An early Victorian ebonised cabinet on stand

An early Victorian ebonised cabinet on stand, with nulled, flower, leaf, scroll and paterae mouldings, with a pair of glazed doors, enclosing a paper lined interior, the brass hinges stamped 'HORNE PATENT', above two drawers with gilt brass drop handles, the stand with a fret carved frieze with birds and beasts flanking a central angel mask, applied with brass Latimer crosses on spiral twist legs and a shaped undertier, with two paper labels inscribed in ink 'ABERDUNANT 1871', 160.7cm high, 91.2cm wide, 56.5cm deep.

The design of this cabinet is based directly on the series of cabinets commissioned by William Beckford to furnish the St. Michael's Gallery at Fonthill Abbey. The Latimer cross illustrates William Beckford's descent from William, Lord Latimer of Corby (d.1302). It was one of his most favourite heraldic emblems and he employed it in his decorative schemes at Fonthill.