Summary:
• Item: Coffer / Chest
• Provenance: Gloucester, West Country, England, UK
• Period: Charles II
• Circa: 1650
• Wood: Solid oak
• Small proportions (3ft 8” wide)
• 3 inset panels to top and 3 to the front
• Reeded top frame & front stiles
• Joined panelled design
• Nulling carvings to top rail
• Horizontal lozenge carved panels
• Original iron wire hinges
• Original internal candle box
• Working Georgian lock & key
• Original lid, sides, back & bottom
• Original length reeded feet (stiles)
• Original polish & patination
• Superb deep rich oxblood colour
• Free delivery to England, Wales & Southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns
Description:
Here is an early antique English Charles II oak joined coffer, with small proportions, believed to originate from the West Country region of England, possibly Gloucestershire, from the mid 17th century period, circa 1650, in good original condition, with original patination and colour. This coffer is constructed with a three panel top, with a joined section below, which is constructed with butt joints to the corners, secured by handmade iron nails and peg construction. The original lid, which features a nice over-hang, is decorated with inset panels and a moulded front edge. The lid retains its original iron wire loop hinges, which is nice to see. The interior is clean, dry and practical and usable. The interior also retains its original candle box, lid and floorboards. The lid incorporates a steel striking plate with a Georgian steel lever working lock and key on the inside front of the coffer, which allows you to lock the lid if necessary. The front and sides are decorated with original nulling carvings, below which are two inset panels surrounded by a chamfered frame decorates with the original channel carved horizontal lozenges. The sides of the coffer also feature inset chamfered panels. The coffer stands on its original length stiles (feet). It is rare to see feet, which have not been reduced in height (as this was the main point of contact with damp floors). The back of the coffer retains its original rough-hewn panels along with the original floor. Overall, this coffer boasts a lovely rich deep oxblood colour and patination.
This is an early oak coffer having been around in the days of Charles I, Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland & Scotland and the Great Fire of London. This style of coffer was constructed all over England from the 16th century onwards and was the precursor to the chest of drawers. They were also used as benches. Local carpenters, rather than cabinetmakers made them for ubiquitous use in their local area.
This item would look great in a variety of rooms from the hallway, to the living room or bedroom, as an ottoman at the foot of the bed.
This beautiful piece boasts a rich dark oxblood red and brown colour. As it boasts the original wax polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.
Condition Report:
The coffer is in good original condition. Nominal old marks to the top and leading edges, but nothing significant considering the age of the item. Such old use marks are inevitable and perfectly acceptable due to its age and use it would have received. The interior is clean, dry, and usable. The lid retains its original iron wire loop hinges (these are often replaced).
The coffer retains its original lid, floor, candle lid and compartment, legs, sides and back. The lid incorporates a steel striking plate with a Georgian steel lever working lock and key on the inside front of the coffer, which allows you to lock the lid if necessary. The coffer stands on its original length stiles (feet), which is rare to see, although there is some wear to the feet, which has been caused by centuries of standing on stone floors. The coffer is solid in joint; it does not wobble on the floor and is ready to use. Considering the age of this coffer, it is in very good condition.
Dimensions:
Height = 58cm or 22⅞” or 1ft 10⅞”
Width (lid) = 112.5cm or 44¼” or 3ft 8¼”
Width (body) = 103.3cm or 40⅝” or 3ft 4⅝”
Depth (lid) = 57.2cm or 22½” or 1ft 10½”
Depth (body) = 53.2cm or 21” or 1ft 9”
Terms & Conditions:
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Ref: Coffer 29