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ID #SA1112570
FOR SALE
£1,250
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Zanzibar Chest
For sale by Spencer Robertson Antiques
for sale €1,463     $1,588
£1,250
Spencer Robertson Antiques

Spencer Robertson Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2022
Browse dealers 45 items
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Id #SA1112570
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Zanzibar Chest

19th century
Description

Late 19th century Zanzibar chest with three lower drawers decorated by sheet brass and bronze, garnished with brass studs having solid brass plate carrying handles at each end. The interior has a candle box at one end. Hinges and carrying handles seem to be replaced but many of these chests were remade from other chest parts. Part of the border strip is missing and also brass studs near one drawer, middle drawer is lacking it’s lock

Physical Dimensions
Height
46cm (18.11")
Width
110cm (43.31")
Depth
46cm (18.11")
Declaration

Spencer Robertson Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Zanzibar Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1112570
Description
Late 19th century Zanzibar chest with three lower drawers decorated by sheet brass and bronze, garnished with brass studs having solid brass plate carrying handles at each end. The interior has a candle box at one end.
“
Hinges and carrying handles seem to be replaced but many of these chests were remade from other chest parts.
Spencer Robertson Antiques

Part of the border strip is missing and also brass studs near one drawer, middle drawer is lacking it’s lock

Height
46cm (18.11")
Width
110cm (43.31")
Depth
46cm (18.11")
Date of Manufacture

Spencer Robertson Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Zanzibar Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1112570
Spencer Robertson Antiques
Spencer Robertson Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2022
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Spencer Robertson Antiques Profile Page

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A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers.
1 / 10
Archive I A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers.

Zanzibar Chest

Archive II A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers. View II
Archive III A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers. View III
Archive IV A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers. View IV
Archive V A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers. View V
Archive VI A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers. View VI
Archive VII A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers. View VII
Archive VIII A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers. View VIII
Archive IX A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers. View IX
Archive X A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers. View X
Enlarged Archival View
Spencer Robertson Antiques

Spencer Robertson Antiques
Telephone 07860 245923
Location
5 Sherborne Business Centre
East Mill Lane
Sherborne
Dorset
DT9 3DP
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/spencerrobertson
Verified Since Mar 2022
Items For Sale 45
Items Sold 130
Spencer Robertson Antiques
Spencer Robertson Antiques
Verified Since Mar 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: 5 Sherborne Business Centre, East Mill Lane, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3DP, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/spencerrobertson
Verified
Mar 2022
For Sale
45
Sold
130
A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers.
Zanzibar Chest
Ref: SA1112570
A rectangular dark wooden storage chest with heavy brass studwork, circular geometric metal plates, a central pierced brass latch, and three small base drawers.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
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Detail View 9
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTrunks & Coffers
  • Period19th century
  • StyleAnglo-Indian
  • MaterialTeak, Brass, Iron
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsBrass studwork, Pierced brass latch, Base drawers, Geometric concentric circles
  • SizeH 46 cm (18 in) x W 110 cm (43 in) x D 46 cm (18 in)

This 19th-century Anglo-Indian Zanzibar chest is a rectangular storage piece made of dark brown teak fitted with sheet brass, bronze, and brass studwork in geometric concentric circle motifs. The exterior displays a central pierced brass latch, brass studs, and three small base drawers with drop handles, alongside areas of missing border strips and studs near one drawer and a lack of a lock on the middle drawer. The visible timber has a dark brown finish with natural grain texture and visible cracks across the front panels. Measuring 46 cm high, 110 cm wide, and 46 cm deep, the chest fits well in a gentleman's library, hallway, or living room as a functional storage trunk and decorative focal point.

FAQs

A Zanzibar chest is a traditional wooden storage trunk produced along the maritime trade routes of the Indian Ocean, East Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. These chests are distinguished by heavy brass or copper sheeting, decorative metal tacking, pierced hardware, and frequently feature three or more small drawers integrated into the base.

These chests were historically crafted using dense, weather-resistant hardwoods such as teak, rosewood, or camphorwood to withstand sea travel. The exterior ornamentation consists of hand-cut brass or copper plates, brass upholstery studs, and cast iron or brass hinges and latches.

Authentic pieces exhibit hand-hammered metalwork, irregular stud placement, hand-cut dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joinery, and natural patination or surface oxidisation on the brass elements. They also typically feature internal candle boxes or till drawers alongside the external base drawers.

A Zanzibar chest works well placed at the foot of a bed, set as a focal point in an entryway, or utilized as a coffee table in a living room. Its warm timber tones and detailed metalwork complement dark academia, eclectic, and global-inspired design schemes.

Dust the wood regularly with a soft dry cloth and apply a natural beeswax polish occasionally to preserve the timber grain. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners on the metalwork, as gentle dusting helps maintain the original patina and natural oxidisation of the brass.
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