Sold 26 June 2025 · Rumble Antiques

This “Zanzibar Chest 19th Century” found a buyer.

It was listed by Rumble Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Antique Brass Trunk Brass Strapwork Chest Oriental Brass Chest Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

Zanzibar chest highly decorated in studded and fretted brass, mid 19th century. Made from teak and very heavy, the interior has a candle box . The three drawer handles, side carrying handles, brass hinges and hasp are all original to the chest. Altogether a really good statement piece.

Physical Dimensions

Height

56cm (22.05")

Width

110cm (43.31")

Depth

46cm (18.11")

Declaration

Rumble Antiques has dated this 19th Century Zanzibar Chest to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1120048

Dealers Internal Reference

zanzibar

Description

Zanzibar chest highly decorated in studded and fretted brass, mid 19th century. Made from teak and very heavy, the interior has a candle box .

“

The three drawer handles, side carrying handles, brass hinges and hasp are all original to the chest.

Rumble Antiques

Altogether a really good statement piece.

Physical Dimensions

Height

56cm (22.05")

Width

110cm (43.31")

Depth

46cm (18.11")

Date of Manufacture

Rumble Antiques has dated this 19th Century Zanzibar Chest to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1120048

Dealers Internal Ref

zanzibar

About the Dealer

Rumble Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2022

Town and country furniture especially early walnut

Dealer Profile

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

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A rectangular nineteenth-century wooden storage chest featuring extensive geometric brass sheet overlays, brass studding, and three lower drawers.

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Zanzibar Chest 19th Century

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Rumble Antiques

Telephone 01736 810033 or 07778 917300

Location

Tregonebris Old Farm
Sancreed
Penzance
Cornwall
TR208RQ
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/rumbleantiques

Verified Since Nov 2022

Items For Sale 36

Items Sold 62

Email Rumble Antiques

zanzibar chest 19th century

Ref: SA1120048

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Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectStorage Chest
Period19th century
StyleOmani / Swahili Coastal
MaterialTeak, Brass, Iron
ColourDark Brown and Brass
MotifsBrass studding, Repousse brass plate, Geometric strapwork, Bun feet
SizeH 56 cm (22 in) x W 110 cm (43 in) x D 46 cm (18 in)

FAQs

Zanzibar chests are traditional Omani storage chests crafted along the Swahili coast, historically used by merchants and sea traders for storing valuables and personal belongings.

These chests are typically built from heavy timber such as teak or rosewood, heavily decorated with intricate brass plates, studding, strapwork, and fitted with multiple internal and external drawers.

Authentic pieces feature hand-hammered brass work, traditional dovetail joinery, hand-forged iron hardware, and signs of age such as patina and oxidation on the metal components.

This piece works effectively as a focal point in a living room or hallway, functioning as a coffee table or statement storage unit that contrasts against neutral, contemporary backdrops.

Maintain the wood with appropriate furniture wax and clean the brass gently using non-abrasive methods to preserve the natural historical patina without stripping its age.