Heart-warming 17th Century Carved Oak Face Corbels c. 1670

With a lovely colour and rich patina, this superb English oak coffer dates from c. 1600. Set on tall feet and of a very good size and rarely seen compact proportion, this would be a perfect linen box at the end of a bed or a beautiful focal point in any room. The carving particularly finely executed with stylised acanthus leaf extending from the front feet to the top of the stiles and with adorsed foliate S-scrolls across the frieze. Each fielded panel superbly carved with sophisticated geometric pattern, leaves and twinned circles - reminiscent of formal knot gardens - and with running strapwork along the intermediate framing. The bottom frame carved with expansive lunettes with small flying ribbons indicating that the chest is probably of North Country origins. Retaining its original candle box which also has a wonderful patina. The three fielded panel lid original also with channel carving to the borders. To the inner face of the panelled lid are the remnants of a very early hand written and decorated paper label for Peter and Anne ? – presumably one time owners of the chest. The rear legs have been re-tipped as is normal in early oak coffers of this great age. There are some losses, old dings and marks consistent with age and a small number of old worm holes to the top of the right hand framed side panel – long since dead. The original wire hinges have been replaced in the 18th century with substantial riveted blacksmith hand forged iron H hinges...

A charmingly small solid oak craftsman made “coffer bach” of traditional late 17th/early 18th century construction with twin fielded panels to front and back and single fielded and f...

A most unusual and characterful solid elm cupboard, a primitive cottage piece made in around 1750 and probably Irish. With substantial fielded panel and framed doors with applied Elm mouldings which create a lozenge shape to each panel. The flanks reeded with carved pinwheel above and the deep frieze with deep channel carved decoration. The doors open to reveal a carved arched show frame with matching reeded columns, large quarter pinwheels and a central scroll - again in solid elm. There are two original elm shelves within and both sides are formed from a pair of thickly cut and substantial elm boards. The top boards are original also. This cupboard was originally built in situ, the back of it was formed by the wall in a cottage. When moved backboards and a secondary base board has been added this sits on the original planked elm base and could be removed if not required. The cupboard has old worm holes (the worm has been fully and properly treated and is long since dead) and there are some losses, small chips and wear. The right hand door has a warp as can be seen as there is some slack in the upper hinge – the H hinges...

A good early 17th Century English oak mural livery cupboard used for storing rations of food, candles and beer. These ventilated small mural livery cupboards were sometimes built into walls or wall hung or, as here, placed on a stand. The cupboards were commonplace in 15th, 16th and early 17th century households but few have survived. Larger, carved and inlaid cupboards would have served a high status family, smaller cupboards such as this - with few decorative features and holding just one or two liveries or rations – were for lower status family members or for the household retainers and servants. The spindles here are original and well turned and though simple and functional in form, there is carved decoration and detailing in the door. The original keyhole is still present but a later keyhole added with a later lock – probably 18th century. By the mid 17th century the practice of serving livery had all but disappeared and despite such mural cupboards...

Large heavy 18th century or earlier carved oak corbel. The corbel depicts a large male open-eyed smiling face with broad features. Finly carved details with wonderful old patina.

A striking set of four hand-carved wooden corbels, each showcasing unique carvings and exceptional craftsmanship. Perfect as decorative brackets, architectural accents or displayed t...

A fascinating bit of history, this pair of carved wooden terms dates to the High Renaissance during the 1500s. A term is a beam support in the form of a human head where the bust con...

Beautiful weathered oak Renaissance ornaments that most likely once adorned a half timbered house in Normandy. France, 17th century. Weathered, small losses Measurement here below a...