A bachelor’s chest is a small, shallow and relatively low chest, English in origin, containing three to four drawers, usually graduated; in the first models, which date from the late 17th century, the top was hinged, and could fold out to become a writing surface, supported by runners or lopers, later varieties, in the 18th century, had a brushing slide just underneath the top , a pull-out surface for writing or laying out of clothing; usually made of walnut, oak or mahogany; bun feet were most common on the early chests but were replaced by the more fashionable bracket feet as the century progressed. Although the term came to mean any small chest of drawers, originally the bachelor’s chest was a multi-purpose piece of furniture, perfect for a single gentleman occupying a small bachelor’s pad.
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