Small-scale versions of cabinet furniture, sometimes made by apprentice craftsmen to demonstrate their technical skills. More commonly, such pieces were made by skilled tradesmen and taken around country districts by journeymen or commercial travellers, so customers could order household furniture from these samples. Miniature furniture pieces, often made for children, are frequently described as apprentice pieces. They are now highly sought after, but, buyer beware, the market abounds with many imported and locally produced 'apprentice pieces' of more recent manufacture.

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A good Victorian miniature chest of drawers in mahogany, with 6…

Victorian Mahogany Miniature Chest of Drawers

A good Victorian miniature chest of drawers in mahogany, with 6 drawers flanked by turned and ornately caved columns, on turned bun feet, 39 cm wide, 26 cm deep, 42 cm high

A New Zealand specimen wood apprentice chest, circa 1870,…

NZ Specimen Wood Apprentice Chest, Circa 1870

A New Zealand specimen wood apprentice chest, circa 1870, Mottled Kauri, Totara knot and Puriri, the moulded rectangular top above two short and three long drawers on a plinth base, 36 cm wide, x 27 cm deep, 42 cm high. Provenance: Private Collection…

A Regency mahogany and ebony inlaid miniature chest of drawers…

Miniature Mahogany Chests (or) Ebony Inlaid Miniature Chests

A Regency mahogany and ebony inlaid miniature chest of drawers together with another miniature chest, the rectangular top with brass handle above four graduated drawers with ebony line inlay and brass handles, raised on turned feet, the second smaller…

A Georgian revival mahogany apprentice chest, circa 1920s, of…

Georgian Revival Mahogany Apprentice Chest

A Georgian revival mahogany apprentice chest, circa 1920s, of bow front form having a pull out shelf above two half drawers with three full width drawers below all with petite oval ring pull brass handles, with a shaped apron and upon small splayed…

Antique mahogany miniature serpentine front chest of drawers,…

Mahogany Miniature Serpentine Chest with Ivory Knobs

Antique mahogany miniature serpentine front chest of drawers, with turned ivory knobs, approx 28 cm wide, 32 cm high

Miniature cedar and pine four drawer apprentice style chest

Miniature Cedar and Pine 4-Drawer Chest

Miniature cedar and pine four drawer apprentice style chest

Miniature chest of 5 drawers, late 19th century with…

Antique Poplar Chest of Drawers, 1899

Miniature chest of 5 drawers, late 19th century with inscription 'These chest of drawers was made by my father in the year 1899 at Castlemaine Vic. Aust. out of some poplar trees which were growing in our garden for a great many years, father was 73 years…

Victorian maple & mahogany apprentice chest of drawers 30 cm…

Victorian Miniature Chest of Drawers

Victorian maple & mahogany apprentice chest of drawers 30 cm high, 31 cm wide, 17 cm deep

Antique English mahogany apprentice Wellington chest, approx 57…

English Mahogany Apprentice Wellington Chest

Antique English mahogany apprentice Wellington chest, approx 57 cm high, 43 cm wide, 26.5 cm deep

Walnut & oak apprentice chest comprising two small drawers &…

Apprentice Chest with Five Drawers

Walnut & oak apprentice chest comprising two small drawers & three large drawers on cabriole legs, retailed for C. Ford & Co Ltd, Lymington. Condition good, minor wear, good patina. Height 29 cm

Oak chest of four drawers brass handles, small proportions…

Small Oak Chest with Brass Handles

Oak chest of four drawers brass handles, small proportions possibly apprentice piece 53 cm high, 51 cm wide, 26 cm deep

An apprentice four-drawer miniature chest (of exhibition…

Aussie Timber Mini Chest: Masterful Apprentice Exhibition Piece

An apprentice four-drawer miniature chest (of exhibition quality) incorporating various Australian timbers

An apprentice chest, red pine, late 19th century. 38 cm high,…

19th Century Red Pine Apprentice Chest

An apprentice chest, red pine, late 19th century. 38 cm high, 40.5 cm wide, 27.5 cm deep

Apprentice chest, Australian cedar, late 19th century. 52 cm…

Late 19th Century Australian Cedar Apprentice Chest

Apprentice chest, Australian cedar, late 19th century. 52 cm high, 47 cm wide, 26 cm deep.

Oak chest of four drawers brass handles, small proportions…

Small Oak Chest with Brass Handles

Oak chest of four drawers brass handles, small proportions possibly apprentice piece 53 cm high, 51 cm wide, 26 cm deep

A miniature English 'Spice' chest with antique dealers…

Antique Miniature Spice Chest with Dealers Association Stick

A miniature English 'Spice' chest with antique dealers association stick, approx 14.5 cm high, 18 cm wide, 8.5 cm deep

Fine antique miniature chest of drawers with four drawers.…

Antique Miniature Chest of Drawers with Four Drawers

Fine antique miniature chest of drawers with four drawers. Possibly apprentice piece, 20.5 cm wide, 26.5 cm high

A mahogany four drawer apprentice chest on bracket feet.

Mahogany 4-Drawer Apprentice Chest on Bracket Feet

A mahogany four drawer apprentice chest on bracket feet.

Regency mahogany apprentice chest with fluted top, two short…

Fluted Top Mahogany Apprentice Chest with Ebony Drawers

Regency mahogany apprentice chest with fluted top, two short and two long ebony crossbanded drawers on ringed feet

A fine Victorian oak apprentice chest. second half 19th century.…

Victorian Oak Apprentice Chest

A fine Victorian oak apprentice chest. second half 19th century. The miniature chest with an extended top, two half width and three full width drawers below all with turned timber handles and raised on tapering bun feet. Height 31.5 cm. Width 32 cm. Depth…

Birdseye huon pine apprentice chest of drawers (20th century)

Huon Pine Apprentice Chest of Drawers

Birdseye huon pine apprentice chest of drawers (20th century)

A 19th century Australian full cedar apprentice chest, with…

19th Century Cedar Apprentice Chest with Seven Drawers

A 19th century Australian full cedar apprentice chest, with seven drawers above turned legs, lacking two drawer knobs, 64 x 65.5 x 25.5 cm

A huon pine six drawer apprentice chest. 36 cm high, 34 cm wide,…

Huon Pine Six Drawer Chest - Compact and Elegant

A huon pine six drawer apprentice chest. 36 cm high, 34 cm wide, 17 cm deep

Late 19th century New Zealand apprentice chest mahogany frame…

Mahogany Apprentice Chest with Kauri Facias

Late 19th century New Zealand apprentice chest mahogany frame with two short and three long drawer with mottled kauri facias.

Miniature apprentice chest of drawers 35.5 cm x 25 cm, 41.5 cm…

Miniature Apprentice Chest of Drawers

Miniature apprentice chest of drawers 35.5 cm x 25 cm, 41.5 cm high approx.

Antique apprentice chest of drawers, circa 1860, 32.5 cm x 15…

1860 Antique Apprentice Chest of Drawers

Antique apprentice chest of drawers, circa 1860, 32.5 cm x 15 cm, 28 cm high approx.

A small cedar apprentice chest of draws, Australian, 19 th…

19th Century Australian Cedar Apprentice Chest of Drawers

A small cedar apprentice chest of draws, Australian, 19 th century;44 cm high, 44 cm wide, 24 cm deep

A small cedar apprentice chest, late 19 th century;23.5 cm high,…

Late 19th Century Cedar Apprentice Chest

A small cedar apprentice chest, late 19 th century;23.5 cm high, 19 cm wide, 10 cm deep

A 19th century miniature two drawer chest, signed illegibly to…

Miniature Two-Drawer Chest, 19th Century

A 19th century miniature two drawer chest, signed illegibly to side of draw, 38 cm high, 30 cm wide, 25 cm deep

A miniature four drawer filing chest, oak with metal fittings,…

Miniature Oak Filing Chest with Four Drawers

A miniature four drawer filing chest, oak with metal fittings, 29 cm high, 37 cm wide, 40 cm deep

A huon pine apprentice chest, late 19th century, 28 cm high, 31…

19th Century Huon Pine Apprentice Chest

A huon pine apprentice chest, late 19th century, 28 cm high, 31 cm wide, 20 cm deep

A walnut apprentice dressing chest, late 19th century, 65 cm…

19th Century Walnut Dressing Chest

A walnut apprentice dressing chest, late 19th century, 65 cm high, 58 cm wide, 23 cm deep

A cedar five drawer miniature chest, early 20th century, 37 cm…

Early 20th Century Cedar Miniature Five Drawer Chest

A cedar five drawer miniature chest, early 20th century, 37 cm high, 35 cm wide, 27 cm deep

An Australian cedar apprentice chest, circa 1880, 46 cm high,…

1880 Australian Cedar Apprentice Chest

An Australian cedar apprentice chest, circa 1880, 46 cm high, 44 cm wide, 28 cm deep

A cedar 5 drawer apprentice chest, 19th century, 54 cm high, 45…

19th Century Cedar 5-Drawer Apprentice Chest

A cedar 5 drawer apprentice chest, 19th century, 54 cm high, 45 cm wide, 33 cm deep

Silky oak apprentice chest having four drawers, bobbin turned…

Silky Oak Apprentice Chest with Bobbin-Turned Handles

Silky oak apprentice chest having four drawers, bobbin turned handles on four ball feet. Condition good, minor wear consistant with age. Dimensions 41 x 37.5 x 16 cm

Antique apprentice chest of drawers, 33 cm x 20 cm, 40 cm high…

Antique Apprentice Chest of Drawers

Antique apprentice chest of drawers, 33 cm x 20 cm, 40 cm high approx.

Original late 19th century cedar apprentice chest of seven…

19th Century Cedar Apprentice Chest with 7 Drawers

Original late 19th century cedar apprentice chest of seven drawers, dove tailed construction with mushroom knobs

An early 19th century mahogany miniature chest, the grape, vine…

Mahogany Miniature Chest with Grape Vine Carving

An early 19th century mahogany miniature chest, the grape, vine & wolf relief carved front doors opening to seven drawers. An elaborate geometric design carved to each side of the cabinet, with key. 38 x 34 x 28 cm.

Vintage apprentice chest of drawers, 29 cm x 18 cm, 28 cm high…

Vintage Apprentice Chest of Drawers

Vintage apprentice chest of drawers, 29 cm x 18 cm, 28 cm high approx.

An Australian red cedar & silky oak miniature chest of drawers,…

Miniature Chest of Drawers with Provenance

An Australian red cedar & silky oak miniature chest of drawers, circa 1910. Provenance: belonging to William Percy Wilkinson, hence by decent to his grandson bill Wilkinson, who bequeathed it to the current owner., note: W. P Wilkinson was one of the…

A Tasmanian huon pine apprentice chest with blackwood knobs and…

Huon Pine Apprentice Chest with Blackwood Accents

A Tasmanian huon pine apprentice chest with blackwood knobs and feet, 29 cm high, 24.5 cm wide, 21 cm deep

An Australian cedar apprentice chest, 19th century, faint…

19th Century Cedar Apprentice Chest with Inscription

An Australian cedar apprentice chest, 19th century, faint inscription on back partially legible 'Mithell....Grattan street Carlton('), 36 cm high, 36 cm wide, 25 cm deep

Musk cedar & huon pine apprentice style chest of 5 drawers, 89…

Antique Cedar & Pine 5-Drawer Chest

Musk cedar & huon pine apprentice style chest of 5 drawers, 89 cm high, 53 cm wide, 24 cm deep, 1900's

Victorian Australian cedar apprentice chest having four drawer,…

Victorian Cedar Apprentice Chest with Four Drawers

Victorian Australian cedar apprentice chest having four drawer, with turned handles. Height 41 cm

A kauri apprentice chest, two half drawers over three full…

Kauri Apprentice Chest with Bun Feet and Decorative Corbels

A kauri apprentice chest, two half drawers over three full width drawers, small decorative corbels, on bun feet. 45 cm x 33 cm x 44 cm

Antique apprentice chest of three drawers, width 25 cm, depth19.…

Antique Three-Drawer Apprentice Chest

Antique apprentice chest of three drawers, width 25 cm, depth19.5 cm, height 30 cm

Miniature chest of drawers, Danish import, mahogany and pine,…

Danish Miniature Mahogany Chest with Bone Handles

Miniature chest of drawers, Danish import, mahogany and pine, five drawer with bone handles, height 13 cm

Victorian mahogany miniature chest, of rectangular shape with…

Victorian Miniature Mahogany Chest with Lockable Side Panel

Victorian mahogany miniature chest, of rectangular shape with six long drawers, lockable side panel, height 52 cm. Provenance: The Estate of the late Janis Salisbury, Sydney

Antique apprentice chest of four drawers, 44 cm x 26 cm, 44 cm…

Antique 4-Drawer Apprentice Chest

Antique apprentice chest of four drawers, 44 cm x 26 cm, 44 cm high.

An antique timber apprentice chest, 19th century, with an…

19th Century Timber Apprentice Chest

An antique timber apprentice chest, 19th century, with an extended top above two short drawers and two long drawers with pairs of turned handles, upon an extended base, height 40.5 cm, width 37.5 cm, depth 24 cm

Cedar 1860's apprentice chest, 51 cm high x 40 cm wide, 26 cm…

1860's Cedar Apprentice Chest

Cedar 1860's apprentice chest, 51 cm high x 40 cm wide, 26 cm deep

A Louis XV style burr walnut and bird's eye maple apprentice…

Burr Walnut and Maple Chest with Porcelain Cartouches

A Louis XV style burr walnut and bird's eye maple apprentice chest, late 19th century, the walnut bow front three drawer chest having strung maple reserves to the extended top, drawer fronts and sides, with gilt bronze pierced handles and porcelain…

A miniature chest of drawers, pine with crackled pink painted…

Pink Crackled Pine Miniature Chest of Drawers, 1890 Australian

A miniature chest of drawers, pine with crackled pink painted finish, Australian, circa 1890 40 cm high, 49 cm wide, 19 cm deep

A miniature three drawer chest, kauri pine and gilt metal, late…

Miniature Kauri Pine and Gilt Metal Chest

A miniature three drawer chest, kauri pine and gilt metal, late 19th century 34 cm high, 24 cm wide, 13 cm deep

A miniature chest of three drawers, cedar, pine and hardwood,…

Miniature Cedar, Pine and Hardwood Chest of Drawers

A miniature chest of three drawers, cedar, pine and hardwood, early 20th century 23 cm high, 25 cm wide, 17 cm deep

An apprentice chest, Australian cedar, 19th century 60 cm high,…

19th Century Australian Cedar Apprentice Chest

An apprentice chest, Australian cedar, 19th century 60 cm high, 59 cm wide, 33 cm deep

A miniature chest of drawers, Tasmanian huon pine and pine,…

Miniature Huon Pine Chest of Drawers

A miniature chest of drawers, Tasmanian huon pine and pine, 20th century 40 cm high, 40 cm wide, 16 cm deep

A miniature chest of drawers with half bobbin columns,…

19th Century Australian Cedar Miniature Chest of Drawers

A miniature chest of drawers with half bobbin columns, Australian cedar, 19th century Note: Restoration work done in the 20th century revealed the mark for J. Sly the famed Sydney cabinet maker, this piece would appear to be the work of an apprentice of…

An Australian depression era miniature chest made from packing…

Depression-era Miniature Chest from Australia

An Australian depression era miniature chest made from packing crates and Johnson Brothers Talcum Powder tins, circa 1930s 24 cm high, 30 cm wide, 15 cm deep

An unusual 11 drawer miniature chest with turned columns,…

11-Drawer Miniature Chest with Turned Columns, 1890s

An unusual 11 drawer miniature chest with turned columns, stained pine and packing crate, 1890s depression era 43 cm high, 56 cm wide, 30 cm deep

An unusual double sided miniature chest on swivel stand, cedar,…

Double-sided Cedar Miniature Chest on Swivel Stand

An unusual double sided miniature chest on swivel stand, cedar, Ballarat origin, 19th century pencil inscription under drawer 'James Reynolds, Late of Ballarat, June 13th, 1896. Footscray, Melbourne' 50 cm high, 45 cm wide, 33 cm deep

A miniature chest of 20 drawers, stained pine, drawers fitted…

Antique Miniature Chest with 20 Drawers

A miniature chest of 20 drawers, stained pine, drawers fitted with various compartments, circa 1900 57 cm high, 31 cm wide, 17 cm deep

A miniature chest of 4 drawers, Australian cedar, circa 1900 A…

Australian Cedar Miniature Chest with A.I.F. Engraving

A miniature chest of 4 drawers, Australian cedar, circa 1900 A miniature chest of 4 drawers, Australian cedar, circa 1916 engraved with A.I.F. serial number on back 'V 890468, Norris' 27 cm high, 22 cm wide, 19 cm deep

A fine Japanese miniature gold lacquer chest, four drawer…

Japanese Gold Lacquer Miniature Chest with Contents

A fine Japanese miniature gold lacquer chest, four drawer configuration, decorated with Manchurian cranes, with miscellaneous contents. 7.5 cm x 6 cm x 6.5 cm. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection.

Late 19th century New Zealand Colonial kauri miniature Scotch…

Colonial Kauri Miniature Scotch Chest with Secret Drawer

Late 19th century New Zealand Colonial kauri miniature Scotch chest with long secret drawer, two deep and two short drawers, and three long drawers beneath

A French apprentice oak three drawer chest. 30 cm high, 27 cm…

French Oak Three Drawer Chest, 30cm x 27cm

A French apprentice oak three drawer chest. 30 cm high, 27 cm wide.

Three wooden apprentice items, 19th century, comprising a…

19th Century Wooden Apprentice Furniture Set

Three wooden apprentice items, 19th century, comprising a cheval mirror, and two chests of drawers, the largest chest 36 cm high, 30 cm wide, 15 cm deep

Apprentice chest late Victorian, flame mahogany, two door, on…

Late Victorian Mahogany Apprentice Chest

Apprentice chest late Victorian, flame mahogany, two door, on bun feet, height 49 cm, length 52 cm, depth 37 cm

An Australian apprentice chest, stained red pine, circa 1900,…

Australian Apprentice Chest, 1900

An Australian apprentice chest, stained red pine, circa 1900, top to drawers fitted with compartments, 35.5 cm high, 29 cm wide, 19 cm deep. Provenance: The Rodney Pemberton Collection

An Australian Depression era miniature chest, circa 1920s, pine…

Australian Miniature Chest, 1920s

An Australian Depression era miniature chest, circa 1920s, pine packing case carcass with original finish, 51 cm high, 36 cm wide, 24 cm deep. Provenance: The Rodney Pemberton Collection

Antique cedar apprentice chest of drawers with 4 graduated…

Antique Cedar Apprentice Chest with 4 Drawers

Antique cedar apprentice chest of drawers with 4 graduated drawers, 38 cm wide, 27 cm deep, 48 cm high

Victorian mahogany three drawer miniature chest

Victorian Mahogany Miniature Chest with 3 Drawers

Victorian mahogany three drawer miniature chest

Victorian mahogany miniature chest, flat front with five drawers

Victorian Miniature Mahogany Chest with 5 Drawers

Victorian mahogany miniature chest, flat front with five drawers

A Continental flame mahogany six drawer apprentice chest, 64 cm…

Continental Flame Mahogany 6-Drawer Apprentice Chest

A Continental flame mahogany six drawer apprentice chest, 64 cm high, 47 cm wide.

Vintage cedar apprentice chest of drawers, 4 drawers, (damage…

Vintage Cedar Chest with 4 Drawers and Damaged Handles

Vintage cedar apprentice chest of drawers, 4 drawers, (damage to 3 draw pull handles), (height 40 cm, width 34 cm, depth 18 cm).

Victorian apprentice chest of drawers with 2 short and 3 long…

Victorian 5-Drawer Chest of Drawers

Victorian apprentice chest of drawers with 2 short and 3 long drawers, 49.5 cm wide, 33.5 cm deep, 53 cm high

A miniature chest of drawers, huon pine, 44 cm high, 40 cm wide,…

Huon Pine Miniature Chest of Drawers

A miniature chest of drawers, huon pine, 44 cm high, 40 cm wide, 28 cm deep

An early 1900s kauri apprentice chest, the drawer fronts with…

Burr Totara Kauri Apprentice Chest on Plinth Base

An early 1900s kauri apprentice chest, the drawer fronts with burr totara veneer, raised on plinth base. 39 x 25 x 37 cm.

Antique French apprentice chest with 4 short and 2 long drawers,…

French apprentice chest with 6 drawers

Antique French apprentice chest with 4 short and 2 long drawers, 28.5 cm wide, 17.5 cm deep, 34.5 cm high

A miniature four drawer chest, stained pine, early 20th century,…

Early 20th Century Miniature Pine Chest with Four Drawers

A miniature four drawer chest, stained pine, early 20th century, 36 cm high

An American oak three drawer miniature chest with ring pull…

Late 19th Century American Oak Miniature Chest

An American oak three drawer miniature chest with ring pull handles, late 19th century, 46 cm high, 28 cm wide 54 cm deep

An apprentice chest of five drawers with lift top compartment,…

19th Century Mahogany and Walnut Apprentice Chest

An apprentice chest of five drawers with lift top compartment, mahogany and walnut, 19th century, 26 cm high, 21 cm wide, 11 cm deep

A colonial mottled kauri apprentice chest, three small drawers…

Colonial Kauri Inlaid Chest with Brass Handles

A colonial mottled kauri apprentice chest, three small drawers over three full width, the fronts inlaid in various New Zealand timbers, small brass handles, raised on plinth base. (minor damage). 44 x 27 x 45 cm.

19th century mahogany 5 drawer apprentice chest of drawers on…

Mahogany 5-Drawer Apprentice Chest with Ivory Inlay

19th century mahogany 5 drawer apprentice chest of drawers on bracket feet with ivory escutcheons & inlay, 40 cm wide, 21 cm deep, 40 cm high

An Australian miniature four drawer chest with green painted…

Green Painted Miniature Australian Chest, Early 20th Century

An Australian miniature four drawer chest with green painted finish, early 20th century, 29 cm high, 30 cm wide, 16 cm deep

A miniature chest of five drawers, stained pine, early 20th…

Early 20th Century Miniature Pine Chest with Five Drawers

A miniature chest of five drawers, stained pine, early 20th century, 27 cm high, 36 cm wide, 19 cm deep

A five drawer miniature chest, Baltic pine, South Australian…

19th Century South Australian Baltic Pine Miniature Chest

A five drawer miniature chest, Baltic pine, South Australian origin, 19th century, 43 cm high, 33 cm wide, 27 cm deep

A miniature chest of 5 drawers, stained pine with brass knobs,…

19th Century Stained Pine Miniature Chest with Brass Knobs

A miniature chest of 5 drawers, stained pine with brass knobs, 19th century, 28 cm high

A miniature four drawer chest, Australian cedar, 20th century,…

Miniature Cedar Chest with Four Drawers

A miniature four drawer chest, Australian cedar, 20th century, 27 cm high

An unusual miniature chest of drawers, cedar and pine with…

19th Century Miniature Cedar Chest of Drawers with Inlay

An unusual miniature chest of drawers, cedar and pine with inlaid escutcheons and monogram, lift top with tray compartments, 19th century, 55 cm high, 73 cm wide, 35 cm deep

Apprentice chest 19th century, huon pine, made by the Nephew of…

19th Century Huon Pine Apprentice Chest

Apprentice chest 19th century, huon pine, made by the Nephew of the Buttery Brothers, Phillip Buttery, original apprentice piece, height 41.5 cm, length 37.5 cm, depth 18 cm

Victorian burr walnut miniature chest late 19th century with a…

Victorian Burr Walnut Miniature Chest with Mirrored Door

Victorian burr walnut miniature chest late 19th century with a single mirrored door, enclosing seven shelves

Victorian mahogany miniature chest of drawers 19th century with…

Victorian Mahogany Miniature Chest with Side Lock

Victorian mahogany miniature chest of drawers 19th century with five graduated drawers and a side lock

A late 19th century Australian colonial apprentice chest. 40 cm…

19th Century Australian Colonial Apprentice Chest

A late 19th century Australian colonial apprentice chest. 40 cm high, 39 cm wide, 29 cm deep.

An English Victorian elm apprentice chest. 43 cm high, 34 cm…

Victorian Elm Apprentice Chest

An English Victorian elm apprentice chest. 43 cm high, 34 cm wide, 22 cm deep.