LATE 1800's ROSENSTENGEL PINE WARDROBE CUPBOARD CABINET

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Victorian - Late 1800's

Rosenstengel & Kleimeyer

Wardrobe

Solid Pine

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 A very nice looking wardrobe, from the famous Queensland maker, Rosenstengel & Kleimeyer of Toowoomba.  This wardrobe would date from around the late 1800's.

We are selling this wardrobe on behalf of family members from Toowoomba, who have owned this wardrobe for many years.  I am advised this wardrobe was originally used in the old Cobb & Co. Coachhouse at Bolivia, near Tenterfield, New south Wales.

The interior of this wardrobe is stamped in two places with the following:-

Rosenstengel & Kleimeyer 

Toowoomba.

Rosenstengels of Toowoomba was originally called Rosenstengel & Kleimeyer.  Company records indicate the company name was changed to Rosenstengels Pty. Ltd on 28 September 1921. 

This Rosenstengel was the father and teacher of his famous son, Ed Rosenstengel.  Edmund Rosenstengel (known as Ed) (1887-1962) was born in Toowoomba.  He learned his trade as a cabinet-maker apprenticed to the business of Rosenstengel & Kleimeyer. He was later to work in Sydney, Auckland, Vancouver and Grand Rapids (USA), as well as in England and Europe, before returning to Toowoomba in 1911.  In 1922, he went to Brisbane and commenced business on his own account in Fortitude Valley, where he was to remain until his retirement in 1958.  His work was distinguished by the use of Queensland timbers, particularly Queensland maple and silky oak, together with elaborate carving and marquetry inlay.  His best known public commissions include the invitation to furnish a bedroom at Government House, Brisbane, for the visit of the Duke of Gloucester in 1934, and a jewel case intended for the (then) Duchess of York.  Works of both Rosenstengel men are highly sought after by collectors. 

This wardrobe is constructed of solid Pine timbers, which have very lovely grains showing.

The wardrobe is comprised of an upper hanging section which has a lovely moulded pelmet above it and a large blanket drawer below the large double panelled doors. 

The fronts of both doors have lovely arched solid timber panels, with beautiful pine grains showing.  The right door has a lock and key which correctly operates it. The left door has retained its original brass catch fittings. 

The interior hanging section has ten (10) original pine timber turned hanging hooks to the top back and on each side.  There is also an original metal revolving tie hook to the centre top.  There is a metal rod to hold hangers and the interior of each door has a hanging hook (metal and timber respectively).

The large blanket drawer has dovetailed joints to both the front and rear and the base is also solid pine timber.  The turned pine drawer knobs are original and there is a metal keyhole escutcheon plate, however, the lock has been long gone.

The wardrobe rests on a solid pine base, with moulded edges to the front and sides.