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

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

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