Early 17th Century Medieval Handcrafted Black Iron Coffer or Box
Located in Brescia, IT
The iron coffer, fully original in every part of it, was forged and handcrafted in German in the 1610. Complete with key. Full working iron mechanisms. It is not easy to find a piece...
Iron
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
Very Rare 15th C. Medieval English Carved Solid Oak Dowry Coffer with Drawer
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Exquisitely carved and well preserved Medieval England dowry coffer. Remarkable decorative "palm-arched" reliefs on the facade echo the design on the drawer at base (a rare feature).
Oak
Antique French Medieval Gothic Carved Oak Chest Coffer 17th Century Panels 1679
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique 17th century French Gothic carved oak lidded chest or coffer, dated 1679. The chest was assembled in the mid 19th century with original carved panels from the 1600s. ...
Oak
16th Century German Oak Coffer-Trunk, Handcrafted with Iron Hardware
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An enormous German coffer-trunk from the 16th century (possibly the oldest antique in our entire 18,000 sqft. showroom!), handcrafted from thick oak planks and fitted with forged iro...
Iron
Very large English antique solid oak mule chest coffer with drawers from 1790
Located in Leicester, GB
An unusually large antique mule chest / coffer with handsome panelling all around. This 18th century mule chest has the height to be a credenza whilst offering plenty of storage insi...
Iron
Unavailable
H 8 in W 12 in D 7 in
A Large Impressive 19th Century Bronze Jewelry Casket Box. Circa 1860
Located in London, GB
This large heavily cast bronze Jewelry box was made in France in the mid 19th century and is made in the form of a medieval coffer. It is superbly detailed with flowers Leaves Cheru...
Bronze
Unavailable
H 4.34 in W 7.49 in D 3.94 in
French Cast Bronze Jewelry Box Made in the Form of a Medieval Domed Top Coffer
Located in GB
This heavily cast bronze jewelry box was made in France in the late 19th century and is made in the form of a medieval domed topped coffer. It is superbly detailed with flowers and ...
Bronze
Early 16th Century Gothic Coffer Strongbox
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A fantastic medieval coffer. Made from 6 wide dovetailed planks from the same chestnut tree this coffer is a great example of haute epoque furniture.
Chestnut
16th Century Late Medieval Oak Linen Fold Coffer
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
A late medieval oak coffer , circa 1500 original planked lid , four panel early linen fold carved front , a nicely patinated honest coffer that hasn’t been restored , retaining all...
Oak
Gothic Oak Chest – Northern France, Circa 1320–1360
Located in Bilzen, BE
Rare medieval oak coffer carved with Gothic tracery, featuring lancets and quatrefoils characteristic of Northern French Gothic architecture (Picardy / Artois) in the 14th century.
Iron
Medieval 16th Century Solid Walnut Gothic Carved Coffer c. 1580
Located in Heathfield, GB
An extremely rare, large and beautiful 16th century medieval solid walnut coffer with superbly carved Gothic tracery to the front panel.
Walnut
16th Century Belgian Coffer - B
Located in Charlotte, NC
A coffer originating in Belgium in the 16th Century.
Metal
Antique Oak Coffer, 18th Century
Located in Redruth, GB
Antique oak coffer. 18th century carved oak coffer with hinged lid, plant hinged lid with three arcaded panels to the front and bracket feet. Quality craftsmanship and a very useful ...
Oak
Antique 16th Century Belgian Coffer - A
Located in Charlotte, NC
A coffer originating in Belgium in the 16th century.
Metal
A rare 17th c. Fir and Chestnut Coffer
Located in New York, NY
The rectangular plank top mounted with three iron strap hinges over the case centered by three recessed square panels set within a cross motif diaper work. Provenance: Huntington An...
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.24 in W 24.41 in D 11.82 in
A Spanish Wrought Iron Archive Chest, 18th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Spanish Wrought Iron Archive Chest, 18th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimensions: Height: 26cm. Width: 62cm. Depth: 30cm.
Wrought Iron
$1,022
H 13.78 in W 28.75 in D 13.59 in
1900 Little Rustic Chest or Coffer Gothic Carved Oak & Wrought Iron, French
Located in Labrit, Landes
French coffer or chest made circa 1900. Decorated with carved flowers style. The design of this chest is deliberately rustic. The interior is lined with fabric. Very decorative and ...
Wrought Iron
$5,339
H 25.4 in W 49.81 in D 23.04 in
1642 Dated Charles I / Jacobean Hand Carved English Oak Coffer Linen Chest Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this sympathetically restored, 1642 Charles I / Jacobean, hand carved English oak coffer, trunk or chest This piece is stunning, its hand carved t...
Oak
18th Century Spanish Wooden Trunk with Iron Hardware
Located in Marbella, ES
Antique 18th century Spanish wooden trunk with iron hardware.
Wood
$5,809
H 21.26 in W 59.85 in D 16.93 in L 21.26 in
Rare Large Gothic 16th century carved solid oak chest, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 16th century / bridal or blanket chest / oak / Gothic This impressive chest was hand-carved in solid oak in the 16th century in France. The construction is typical of very...
Oak
$2,054Sale Price|20% Off
H 24.41 in W 54.73 in D 21.66 in
18th Century Chest or Coffer Carved Oak, End of Bed French Provincial
Located in Labrit, Landes
Coffer or chest French 18th century carved oak French Provincial country house Very decorative and full of character Decorated with geometrical and vegetal motifs This chest has the ...
Oak
$2,156Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.375 in W 46 in D 22.75 in
Antique Tudor Elizabethan Henry VIII Oak Sword Six Plank Coffer Chest Trunk 1540
Located in Portland, OR
Antique Tudor/Elizabethan oak six plank boarded coffer/sword chest, circa 1540. The coffer from the period of King Henry VIII having a hinged lid enclosing a storage area lined with...
Oak
Antique Early 18th Century Carved Oak Coffer/Chest
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique early 18th century carved oak coffer/chest having finely carved detail to the panels and frieze, panelled sides, standing on stile feet. A fantastic example in original con...
Oak
Chest, Leather, Wrought Iron, Textile, Wood, Spain, circa 1500
Located in Madrid, ES
Rectangular body casket with semicircular lid made of carved wood and covered with a worked leather that has been reinforced with a series of forged iron fittings, material in which ...
Wrought Iron, Other
17th Century English Oak Joined Chest or Trunk
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome English panel carved coffer or chest (trunk) of oak from the Jacobean period (King James II), featuring an iron-hinged, panel top, mounted to a joined rectangular base. ...
Iron
$1,080
H 13.39 in W 17.72 in D 10.24 in
Early 20th Century Italian Gothic style Decorative Boxe or Small Trunk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this beautiful and rare small trunk made in the early 20th century. Made entirely of iron with brass decorations, this trunk has a Gothic-inspired design. A unique decora...
Iron
$5,228
H 37.41 in W 62.21 in D 26.38 in
Gothic Carved Chest, Handcrafted Solid Wood, Tyrol, 16th-18th Century
Located in ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE, Malaga
Tyrol, Austria, 16th–18th Century A remarkable and truly one-of-a-kind Gothic carved chest from the Tyrol region of Austria, reflecting centuries of craftsmanship, use, and careful ...
Wood
18th Century French Solid Oak Carved Coffer in Baroque Style
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French, solid oak coffer from the 1700s, the heavy storage trunk has a paneled construction graced by various hand-carved patterns such as roses along the upper trim, and more abst...
Iron
17th century Spanish or Italian carved solid wood chest
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Spanish or Italian 17th century bis chest. Chest structure in solid walnut, entirely hand-carved. Exceptional craftsmanship. Very naive vintage conduction with a nice patina on the...
Walnut
18th Century English Oak Trunk
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
English oak Tudor style trunk, 18th century. With a two board rectangular top with molded front and side edges the front with 3 carved panels, paneled sides.
Metal
$1,955
H 24.5 in W 42 in D 20 in
Antique English Carved Oak Coffer Trunk Chest Coffee Table Blanket Box c1770
Located in Choudrant, LA
18th century English carved oak coffer trunk chest coffee table blanket box ~Direct from England~ ~Lovely 18th century English coffee or chest, with traditional English style~ ~Comp...
Oak
Certified Maison Bagues Ship Chandelier - iron and crystal
By Maison Baguès
Located in Paris, FR
Certified Maison Baguès Chandelier - iron and crystal Finish: Gold or Silver gilding Re-edition of its old model "Le Bateau". UL listing available for an additional charge.
Crystal, Iron
Navagero Murano Glass Mirror
By Fratelli Tosi
Located in Milan, IT
Bold yet feminine, this exceptional mirror handcrafted by Venetian master glassmakers will be a splendid focal point in classic or eclectic decors. The indented frame in golden cryst...
Murano Glass
$60,421Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.1 in W 1.5 in D 1 in
Miniature illuminated manuscript on vellum with 12 full-page miniatures
By Francois-Jacques Boeri
Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL
A tiny and complete Parisian Book of Hours with a plethora of intricate illuminations. 91 x 65mm (3.6 x 2.6in). 190 leaves on vellum, additional 4 paper leaves after (plus 3 paper e...
Leather
$33,696
H 6.3 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in
Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Upper Cretaceous, about 70-65 million years ago (Maastrichtian) Morocco The skull is reconstructed in good proportions with fossil pieces found in a phosphate mine in Morocco. I att...
Bone
$38,344
H 8.67 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Italian Sterling Silver Chess Board, Chess Game, Sodalite Marble
By Arval Argenti Valenza
Located in VALENZA, IT
Impressive sterling silver chess board medieval style chess set. The chess board, made by ARVAL ARGENTI VALENZA, was made in white marble and sodalite is supported by a STERLING SIL...
Marble, Sterling Silver
Neo-Gothic Walnut Armchair, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neo-Gothic walnut armchair, 19th century Large neo-Gothic walnut armchair, 19th century, cathedral seat. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability. H: 126 cm, W: ...
Walnut
$1,179Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.49 in W 5.12 in D 2.37 in
Antique Personal Diary Repository, Scottish, Brass, Keepsake Case, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fine antique personal diary repository, originating from Scotland during the Victorian period, circa 1870. This striking book form keepsake case showcases the craftsmanship...
Brass
$439,337
H 70.87 in W 125.99 in D 2.17 in
Giant Crocodile Fossil Wall Plate, Germany. 180 Million Years Old.
Located in London, GB
This outstanding fossilised skeleton is that of the ancestral crocodile species Steneosaurus bollensis that lived during the early Jurassic period. The skeleton, complete with armour...
Other
Large Medieval inscription
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Fragment of a Germanic Funerary Epitaph Sandy limestone · Holy Roman Empire · late 16th century The inscription is carved in Roman humanist capitals — a significant choice in the Ger...
Stone
$16,000Sale Price|50% Off
H 52 in W 9 in D 32 in
15th C Gothic Tabernacle 4 ft.+ Rare Architectural Religious Art, Museum Quality
Located in Vero Beach, FL
15th century period Gothic Tabernacle, extremely rare (Medieval) architectural religious art, museum quality ecclesiastical altar piece. This is an absolutely stunning circa 1450 or...
Wood, Paint
Antique Rare Gothic 16th Century Two-Hand Sword Germany
Located in Doha, QA
This magnificent 16th-century German two-hand sword is a rare and historically important ceremonial weapon, hand crafted by renowned blade-smith Christoph Stantler (active circa 155...
Iron
$337,951
H 100.6 in W 66.93 in D 24.81 in
Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire
By Pauly et Cie, Guggenheim Museum
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare one of a kind Pauly CIE Et stamped hand carved walnut armoire made by the genius that was Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim 1837-1910 W...
Walnut
The History of the World by Sir Walter Raleigh – FIRST EDITION
Located in Middletown, NY
London: Printed by William Stansby for Walter Burre, 1614. FIRST EDITION Folio; 12 1/2 x 8 3/8 inches (317 x 212 mm). Collation: 40, ode, title page, Preface; 40, Contents of the Cha...
Gold Leaf
$39,203Sale Price|60% Off
W 80.71 in L 124.02 in
Tapestry Royal Manufacture of Aubusson, Louis XVI period 1738 at the Gobelins
By Aubusson Manufacture
Located in Madrid, ES
Tapestry from the Royal Manufacture of Aubusson, Louis XVI period , made in 1738 at the Gobelins One panel from a series of Gobelins tapestries depicting the Hi...
Wool, Silk
$19,950
H 45 in W 26.5 in D 26.5 in
Large Antique Italian Church Carved Gilt Polychrome Tabernacle Altar Niche
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent large rare and most impressive Italian baldachin tabernacle altar niche / altarpiece. circa 1800 Exquisitely hand-crafted in Italy in the early 19th century, this extr...
Enamel
20th Century Italian Rococo Bird Cage, Hand-Painted Metal & Wood
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Venetian style (20th Cent) octagonal shaped painted and decorated metal and wood bird cage with 8 upholstered seat and back cushions around base. (Franco Zefferelli Collection)
Metal
The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.
Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.
Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.
By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.
Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.
Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.