This is a really unusual Irish miniature chest of drawers. Made from mahogany and cedar wood with barley twist coloumns. Each drawer is dove-tailed and the drawers appear to be double lined - a sign of quality. There is a working key that works for each drawer and on the inside of one of the drawers is an old trade label saying Austin Manufacturer 7 St Andrew St Dublin. There are two minor repairs to the top and bottom.
It measures 34.5cm w x 25cm h x 17.5cm d.
George Austin was a well-regarded Irish woodworker and box maker, based at 7 St. Andrew Street in Dublin. He is best known for producing finely crafted wooden snuff boxes, boxes, writing slopes, and dressing cases, often using high-quality mahogany, boxwood, and occasionally rosewood or cedar. His work typically features clean craftsmanship and was aimed at the middle to upper classes during the Victorian era.
First recorded at 7 St Andrew’s Street: 1827
Business remained there through at least 1850, before relocating in 1861 to more prominent premises.
Austin’s green paper labels (like the one you shared) are a key identifier of his work and are found on the inside of many of his boxes. These labels suggest he operated a retail workshop or manufactory, serving Dublin’s growing urban population in the 19th century.