Exceptional Dated English Oak Press Cupboard with Secrets – 1723

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 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...

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...

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