Dovetail Joints

The method of dovetail joinery goes all the way back to ancient Egypt, where furniture displaying this practice has been found alongside entombed mummies.

Most often used to join separate sides together, the dovetail joint consists of a series of pins that extend from the end of one side and interlock with a series of tails on another side. This locking action is extremely strong in itself, but the use of an additional adhesive would insure an almost life long bond. Hand carving precise and delicate dovetails was, and still is, considered quite the art form amongst furniture makers.

Dovetail joints on solid satinwood drawers.

Dovetail joints on solid satinwood drawers.

Coromandel Jewellery Box with Dovetail Joints on Solid Satinwood Drawers.

Coromandel Jewellery Box with Dovetail Joints on Solid Satinwood Drawers.

Solid satinwood side drawer with dovetail joints.

Solid satinwood side drawer with dovetail joints.

Antique Jewellery Box in Burr Walnut.

Antique Jewellery Box in Burr Walnut.

Dovetail-joined drawers from an antique jewellery cabinet in rosewood with foliate brass inlay and ten drawers.

Dovetail-joined drawers from an antique jewellery cabinet in rosewood with foliate brass inlay and ten drawers.

Antique Jewellery Cabinet in Rosewood with Foliate Brass Inlay and Ten Drawers.

Antique Jewellery Cabinet in Rosewood with Foliate Brass Inlay and Ten Drawers.