What is a six-plank oak chest?

A six-plank chest is a form of primitive furniture constructed from six individual boards of timber pinned together, representing one of the earliest and simplest forms of domestic storage dating back to the medieval and seventeenth centuries.

What traditional materials and joinery techniques were used?

These pieces were typically crafted from solid English oak, joined using early methods such as edge-to-edge pegging, tongue-and-groove joints, and reinforced with hand-forged iron strap hinges andescutcheon plates.

How can one identify an authentic seventeenth-century chest?

Authentic pieces exhibit signs of hand-working with pit-saw marks, pegged construction, natural oxidation and deep patina built up over centuries, alongside forged ironwork rather than modern machine screws.

How do you style a historic oak chest in a contemporary interior?

A historic oak chest works effectively as a functional coffee table or hallway storage piece, grounding modern minimalist spaces with organic warmth, rich wood textures, and historical contrast.

What is the proper care and preservation routine for antique oak?

Preserve antique oak by maintaining stable ambient humidity levels away from direct heat sources, avoiding modern chemical polishes, and periodically feeding the wood with traditional beeswax.

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17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

Name: 17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1164372
Price: 650 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

17th century

Sold by Whites Antiques

Sold 4 July 2026 · Whites Antiques

This “17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years” found a buyer.

It was listed by Whites 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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Description

A fine and authentic example of a late 17th-century six-plank chest, retaining its original form, honest wear, and the deep patina earned over nearly four centuries.

Date: Late 17th century

Origin: England

Material: Solid oak

Construction: Traditional six-plank form - five planks pegged or fixed with hand-cut nails to form the box, the sixth hinged to create the lid

Design Features:

End panels with vertical grain, extended to form integral feet, lifting the chest clear of damp floors

Simple carved detail to the ends, a practical measure to help prevent splitting over time

Condition: Structurally sound; surface wear, marks, and colour consistent with age and use

Dimensions: H: 57cm (22.4") | W: 82cm (32.3") | D: 40cm (15.7")

Delivery: Not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote feature before completing your order

Heritage & Craftsmanship

Six-plank chests were the workhorses of the 17th and early 18th centuries - simple, sturdy, and built to last. This example meets every hallmark of the type: pegged or nailed joinery, integral feet formed from the extended end boards, and a hinged lid for easy access. The vertical grain of the end panels was a deliberate choice, reducing the risk of warping and prolonging the life of the piece.

The warm, mellow colour and rich patina are the result of centuries of use, care, and natural ageing - qualities that cannot be replicated by modern manufacture.

Visual Details

The oak boards show the honest wear of time, with tool marks, surface undulations, and the deepened tones of aged timber. The simple carved ends are understated yet purposeful, a reminder that even utilitarian furniture was made with thought and skill.

Styling Suggestions

Today, this chest can serve as a blanket box at the foot of a bed, a coffee table with hidden storage, or a hallway seat with character. Its compact size makes it versatile, while its history makes it a conversation piece in any setting.

Sustainable Style

Choosing antique furniture preserves traditional craftsmanship, reduces waste, and brings authentic history into your home.

Purchase with Confidence

Transparent Condition Details: Please examine all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of each item’s condition. These images form a crucial part of our detailed condition report, offering clear insights into the craftsmanship, patina, and quality of this piece.

Trusted Heritage: We are an established and successful business with many happy clients from both trade and private sectors. You are warmly invited to visit our beautiful showroom and shop in West Sussex to experience our collection firsthand.

Delivery: We do not include delivery in our prices, as this depends on factors such as location and access. Options include:

Arrange your own collection from our address

Use the Request Delivery Quote feature on the listing

Email us for combined delivery quotes if purchasing multiple items

Use Proovia Delivery who provide a two-person service

Export/Worldwide Shipping: Please request a quotation from any of the following, quoting the item link:

Alan Smith Europe: info@alansmitheurope.com

Charlie Godwin: guildford@packsend.co.uk

Neil Curl Transport: neil@neilcurltransport.co.uk

Simon Hall Limited: exportdesk@simonhalllimited.com

Date of Manufacture

Whites Antiques has dated this 17th Century Oak Chest to the 17th Century.

Physical Dimensions

Height

57cm (22.44")

Width

82cm (32.28")

Depth

40cm (15.75")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1164372

Dealers Internal Reference

BR050

Dealers Notes

We do not include delivery in our prices as this is dependent upon many factors such as whether it is mainland or overseas. The following options are available to you:-

• You can arrange your own collection from our address

• You can fill in the delivery request option

• You can email us for further information if there is more than one item

• Proovia Delivery offer a 2 man delivery system

Description

A fine and authentic example of a late 17th-century six-plank chest, retaining its original form, honest wear, and the deep patina earned over nearly four centuries.

Date: Late 17th century

Origin: England

fig 1. A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. — fig 1. 17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

Material: Solid oak

“

Construction: Traditional six-plank form - five planks pegged or fixed with hand-cut nails to form the box, the sixth hinged to create the lid.

Whites Antiques

Design Features:

End panels with vertical grain, extended to form integral feet, lifting the chest clear of damp floors

fig 2. A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. — fig 2. 17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

Simple carved detail to the ends, a practical measure to help prevent splitting over time

Condition: Structurally sound; surface wear, marks, and colour consistent with age and use

Dimensions: H: 57cm (22.4") | W: 82cm (32.3") | D: 40cm (15.7")

fig 3. A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. — fig 3. 17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

Delivery: Not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote feature before completing your order

Heritage & Craftsmanship

Six-plank chests were the workhorses of the 17th and early 18th centuries - simple, sturdy, and built to last. This example meets every hallmark of the type: pegged or nailed joinery, integral feet formed from the extended end boards, and a hinged lid for easy access. The vertical grain of the end panels was a deliberate choice, reducing the risk of warping and prolonging the life of the piece.

fig 4. A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. — fig 4. 17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

The warm, mellow colour and rich patina are the result of centuries of use, care, and natural ageing - qualities that cannot be replicated by modern manufacture.

Visual Details

The oak boards show the honest wear of time, with tool marks, surface undulations, and the deepened tones of aged timber. The simple carved ends are understated yet purposeful, a reminder that even utilitarian furniture was made with thought and skill.

fig 5. A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. — fig 5. 17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

Styling Suggestions

Today, this chest can serve as a blanket box at the foot of a bed, a coffee table with hidden storage, or a hallway seat with character. Its compact size makes it versatile, while its history makes it a conversation piece in any setting.

fig 6. A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. — fig 6. 17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

Sustainable Style

Choosing antique furniture preserves traditional craftsmanship, reduces waste, and brings authentic history into your home.

Purchase with Confidence

Transparent Condition Details: Please examine all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of each item’s condition. These images form a crucial part of our detailed condition report, offering clear insights into the craftsmanship, patina, and quality of this piece.

fig 7. A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. — fig 7. 17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

Trusted Heritage: We are an established and successful business with many happy clients from both trade and private sectors. You are warmly invited to visit our beautiful showroom and shop in West Sussex to experience our collection firsthand.

fig 8. A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. — fig 8. 17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

Delivery: We do not include delivery in our prices, as this depends on factors such as location and access. Options include:

Arrange your own collection from our address

Use the Request Delivery Quote feature on the listing

fig 9. A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. — fig 9. 17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

Email us for combined delivery quotes if purchasing multiple items

Use Proovia Delivery who provide a two-person service

Export/Worldwide Shipping: Please request a quotation from any of the following, quoting the item link:

Alan Smith Europe: info@alansmitheurope.com

Charlie Godwin: guildford@packsend.co.uk

Neil Curl Transport: neil@neilcurltransport.co.uk

Simon Hall Limited: exportdesk@simonhalllimited.com

Date of Manufacture

Whites Antiques has dated this 17th Century Oak Chest to the 17th Century.

Physical Dimensions

Height

57cm (22.44")

Width

82cm (32.28")

Depth

40cm (15.75")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1164372

Dealers Internal Ref

BR050

About the Dealer

Whites Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since May 2023

White's antiques collective is the perfect resource for both trade and private clients

Dealer Profile

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

PDF

SAVE

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background.

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Archive I

17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

Archive II

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View II

Archive III

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View III

Archive IV

Scale Reference for A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background.

Archive V

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View V

Archive VI

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View VI

Archive VII

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View VII

Archive VIII

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View VIII

Archive IX

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View IX

Archive X

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View X

Archive XI

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View XI

Archive XII

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View XII

Archive XIII

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View XIII

Archive XIV

A rectangular antique oak chest with a thick wooden lid, V-cut slab legs, and a central iron lock plate against a plain white background. View XIV

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17th Century English Oak Six Plank Chest - Deep Patina Earned Over Nearly 400 Years

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