English Oak ‘Great Chair’ inlaid with Holly and Bog Oak c. 1650

An early and extremely rare original oak Great chair (Wales c. 1620) made for the child of a very wealthy household. In the early 17th century, Great chairs were used by the master ...

This superior quality and very beautiful English oak press cupboard is of tall and slender proportions. The front panel is carved with the letters M (married) over W:E over I and ...

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 rare English oak strong box retaining original and elaborately forged iron lock plate and lock with escutcheon cover and with the original working key. The case with original beautifully shaped corner brackets and original carrying handles – all the hardware fixed with the original rivets. The interior with seven oak drawers with attractive original handles, three over two banks of two, each drawer with very fine boarded linings in wainscot oak with nailed up bottoms. These chests were used by merchants who travelled and traded. The drawers may have contained precious gemstones such as diamonds, gold or jewellery, spices or coins. The fall descends to form a desk at which to write, weigh or count. This example no doubt travelled aboard ships of the day carrying cargo and travellers around the world – ships like the wooden hulled Mayflower which took the Pilgrim Fathers to America in 1620. The strong box has probably visited many lands and carried all manner of exotic and highly valuable items. If only it could talk! A beautiful and very rarely seen early English example set on a most attractive hand made oak stand...