A Very Good Early English Oak Coffer c. 1600

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...

A particularly original and beautiful solid oak English mule chest made by hand in c.1665 and with a fantastic colour and very rich deep natural patina. Retaining its original split ring hinges and original timbers and peg joints throughout. With twin fielded and shaped panels to the front and sides, each framed with chamfered bottom rails to let water run-off easily. The single long drawer with applied geometric mouldings and small heavy solid brass period drop handles. This is a beautiful and usable chest – very heavy and substantial but of relatively small proportions. The coffer sits on original stile feet which are intentionally concealed by the well shaped flared apron around the base – a lovely quality detail. This chest would sit well within a traditional or modern interior and would be lovely as a linen chest at the end of a bed or a hall chest for shoes etc. Marks, dings, scuffs and minor losses consistent with age and use. The lock to the lower drawer is original. The lid opens to reveal the original oak candle box. Some wooden straps/reinforcement have been added to the underside of the lid – probably in the 19th century – just a belt and braces piece of restoration which is often seen on such early coffers. A really wonderful early example, not too big, very sturdy and usable and signed beneath the lid in very old script ‘James Reeves’ – probably the maker or first custodian. Sold with the original sales invoice from Castle Antiques...

A quite extraordinary early 17th century oak livery cupboard with rarely seen figural carving, caryatids, winged putti and fruiting vines. The backboards and marble top are later. T...

A substantial and unusual solid elm and oak chest with a really beautiful colour and rich patina with three fielded panels over two original drawers inlaid with floral and foliate ma...

Early 18th Century English Oak Coffer / Trunk with Paneled Top & Carved Detailing

This is an antique coffer, a large English oak chest or early 18th century trunk dating to circa 1700. Substantial oak chest displaying rich, dark color Pegged joint construction...

17th century joined oak triple panel top coffer with hinged triple panel top. Hand-carved decoration adorns front rail and front. Suitable to function as a table or seat, as well as ...

A good antique late 17th century carved oak panelled chest, Charles II period, most likely West Country, circa 1680. The coffer having a hinged top with 'breadboard' ends, enclosing ...