An outstanding and large Westmorland Coffer, dated 1673 and initialled M I. The quality of the carving is first class, it is both neatly executed and deeply cut. Having interwoven patterns of celtic influence to the panels and rails with guilloche work to the central uprights. It has a good panelled top and superb colour throughout. The ring hinges have been replaced early in the life of the piece, all other parts are original apart from the bottom boards, the coffer stands well having lost no hight and retaining all original feet.

A beautiful and rare example.

Physical Dimensions

Height

70cm (27.56")

Width

150cm (59.06")

Depth

60cm (23.62")

Declaration

Holmes Antiques has dated this 17th Century Oak Coffer to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1173620

Dealers Notes

Holmes Antiques was established in 1932

We are a family business with a shop on Haworth Main Street in West Yorkshire.

We specialise in early English furniture

With the emphasis on quality, originality, colour and surface.

David Holmes has developed a reputation in the antique trade as one of the country's leading experts on early English Oak, Walnut and Mahogany furniture.

Christian Holmes is the 4th generation of the family to deal in Antique furniture

www.holmesantiques.co.uk

Description

An outstanding and large Westmorland Coffer, dated 1673 and initialled M I. The quality of the carving is first class, it is both neatly executed and deeply cut.

“

Having interwoven patterns of celtic influence to the panels and rails with guilloche work to the central uprights.

Holmes Antiques

It has a good panelled top and superb colour throughout. The ring hinges have been replaced early in the life of the piece, all other parts are original apart from the bottom boards, the coffer stands well having lost no hight and retaining all original feet.

A beautiful and rare example.

Physical Dimensions

Height

70cm (27.56")

Width

150cm (59.06")

Depth

60cm (23.62")

Date of Manufacture

Holmes Antiques has dated this 17th Century Oak Coffer to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1173620

About the Dealer

Holmes Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2011

Leading experts on early english oak, walnut and mahogany furniture. Established in 1932.

Dealer Profile

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

Relevant Links

PDF

SAVE

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid.

1 / 13

Archive I

Dated 17th Century Lakeland Coffer

Archive II

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid. View II

Archive III

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid. View III

Archive IV

Scale Reference for A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid.

Archive V

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid. View V

Archive VI

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid. View VI

Archive VII

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid. View VII

Archive VIII

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid. View VIII

Archive IX

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid. View IX

Archive X

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid. View X

Archive XI

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid. View XI

Archive XII

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid. View XII

Archive XIII

A dark oak 17th-century coffer featuring four carved relief panels, a carved top frieze with an inscribed date, and a hinged lid. View XIII

A Lakeland coffer is a regional English storage chest crafted in the Lake District and surrounding northern counties during the seventeenth century, typically featuring solid oak construction and intricate relief carvings.

These coffers were constructed from native English oak using traditional pegged mortise and tenon joinery, often decorated with hand-carved friezes, guilloche borders, and fielded panels.

Authentic pieces exhibit hand-planed oak surfaces, original wooden peg joinery, historical wear around the base, and period-appropriate carving execution rather than modern machine precision.

Position the coffer in an entryway, hallway, or at the foot of a bed as a grounding architectural accent that introduces historical texture alongside neutral upholstery and modern art.

Dust regularly with a dry cloth and apply natural beeswax sparingly along the wood grain to protect the patina, keeping the piece away from direct radiator heat and extreme humidity fluctuations.

Holmes Antiques

Dated 17th Century Lakeland Coffer

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

A Rare 17th Century Ebonized Dorset Coffer

A Oak 17th Century South Gloucestershire Coffer

Antique 17th Century English Oak Dorset Coffer

17th Century Joined Oak Lancashire Coffer, C1678

Antique Linen Chest, English, Carved Oak, Coffer, Bay Window Seat, William III

17th Century Lakeland Oak Coffer

17th Century Lakeland Coffer

Small Early 17th Century Oak Coffer

17th Century, Charles I, Carved and Inlaid Oak Chest, Salisbury, England, Circa 1640

Holmes Antiques

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories

Holmes Antiques

Dated 17th Century Lakeland Coffer

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

A Rare 17th Century Ebonized Dorset Coffer

A Oak 17th Century South Gloucestershire Coffer

Antique 17th Century English Oak Dorset Coffer

17th Century Joined Oak Lancashire Coffer, C1678

Antique Linen Chest, English, Carved Oak, Coffer, Bay Window Seat, William III

17th Century Lakeland Oak Coffer

17th Century Lakeland Coffer

Small Early 17th Century Oak Coffer

17th Century, Charles I, Carved and Inlaid Oak Chest, Salisbury, England, Circa 1640

Holmes Antiques

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

What is a 17th-century Lakeland coffer?

What materials and construction techniques were used in 17th-century coffers?

How can you identify authentic 17th-century carved oak coffers?

How can a 17th-century coffer be styled in a modern interior?

How should an antique carved oak coffer be preserved?

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories