Summary:
• Item: Chest / Trunk / Coffer
• Provenance: Spain
• Period: Ferdinand IV
• Circa: 1800
• Wood: Solid pitch pine
• Rare sought after small size
• Primitive eight-plank boarded design
• Original decorative metal crosses
• Original metal corner strapping
• Original striking plate
• Working lock (with working key)
• Original iron loop hinges
• Primitive chip edge moulding
• Original lid, sides, back & bottom
• Original block feet
• Original polish & patination
• Superb rich colour
• Free delivery to England, Wales & Southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns
Description:
This is a primitive and rare antique pitch pine eight plank boarded chest, circa 1800, believed to originate from Spain, displaying a warm mellow colour, in good original condition. The trunk is primitively constructed using eight planks, with dovetail joints to the corners. The lid, which features a small over-hang, is decorated with primitive chip edge moulding to the front and sides of the lid. The hinged lid retains its original iron loop hinges, while the front of the chest retains the original striking plate, a later period working lock (with working key) and decorative metal pierced crosses with metal corner strap work. The trunk is raised on the original block feet.
The interior is clean, dry and the trunk is practical and usable. The back of the coffer features the original rough-hewn back and original floor. The coffer features the original wax polish therefore it has a lovely rich brown oak colour and patination.
Such chests were used to store valuable possessions, and were common in many rooms of the house. Sometimes given as a dowry (wedding present); they were lockable and were used to store all manner of valuable possessions from weapons, clothing, and blankets to utensils.
This is an important oak coffer having been around in the days of Charles II, Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland & Scotland and the Great Fire of London. This particular chest originates from either Portugal or Spain, but this style of primitive coffer was also 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.
Condition Report:
The chest is in good original condition and featuring the original iron ring hinges, striking plate, original floor, lid, sides and back. The coffer stands on the original block feet. The front panel features a later period working lock (with working key). Nominal old marks to the top, edges, sides and front of the lid 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 chest is solid in joint, it does not wobble on the floor and is ready to use. Considering the age of this early chest, it is in very good condition!
Dimensions:
Height = 43.2cm or 17” or 1ft 5”
External Width (lid) = 123cm or 48½” or 4ft ½”
Width (body) = 110.2cm or 43⅜” or 3ft 7⅜”
External Depth (body) = 42cm or 16½” or 1ft 4½”
Depth (lid) = 41.3cm or 16¼” or 1ft 4¼”
Terms & Conditions:
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Ref: Chest 5
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