Coming under the hammer at Sworders tomorrow, the 7th of June 2016, is this bureau, unusually veneered overall in a chevron pattern. The pre-auction estimate is £800 – £1,500 ($1,570 – $2,950).
Fig. 1. Lot 357, a George II chevron bureau, circa 1745. (Sworders)
Sworders don’t mention what the timber species is and unfortunately I can’t determine what it is from their image. If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say it’s laburnum: The colours are comparable and laburnum veneer was occasionally employed in geometric arrays on card- and tea tables during the first half of the eighteenth-century (figure 2).
Fig. 2. George I laburnum card table, circa 1725. (Bonhams)
Jack Plane
Pegs and 'Tails 
Also an unusual choice of handles/backplates? Key hole in each, with only the center having the lock or drilled key hole.
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The handles are of a style popular circa 1745, though I don’t know if they are the originals.
JP
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But isn’t it unusual to have backplates with keyholes on the handles…without any locks behind?
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It is a bit odd. There is an en suite handle without the keyhole (see the bottom left handle).
JP
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Do you have the scientific name for laburnum?
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Common laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides).
JP
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