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ID #SA1185100
FOR SALE
£975
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Zanzibar Chest
Jane Short Antiques
for sale €1,141     $1,238
£975
Jane Short Antiques

Jane Short Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2020
View Dealers Stock Page
  • About Us
    30 years of expertise in 17th- to early 20th-century furniture and fine art
Id #SA1185100
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Zanzibar Chest

19th century
Description

A good late 19th Century Zanzibar chest with traditional stud work to the top and front.

Zanzibar chests were were used to transport North African spices and silks to India and the Arab countries in 19th Century.

This one is made from hardwood and likely to be rosewood. There is a candle box on the inside and the top has a natural fade which we have preserved. In totally original condition with a good patina.

A. very attractive and useful piece.

\We can discuss delivery options.

Payment by bank transfer, PayPal and card via phone.

Physical Dimensions
Height
44cm (17.32")
Width
87cm (34.25")
Depth
43cm (16.93")
Declaration

Jane Short Antiques has dated this Antique Zanzibar Brass Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1185100
Dealers Internal Reference
A0470
Description
A good late 19th Century Zanzibar chest with traditional stud work to the top and front.
Zanzibar chests were were used to transport North African spices and silks to India and the Arab countries in 19th Century.
Jane Short Antiques
fig 1. A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock.
fig 1. Zanzibar Chest

This one is made from hardwood and likely to be rosewood. There is a candle box on the inside and the top has a natural fade which we have preserved. In totally original condition with a good patina.

A. very attractive and useful piece.

\We can discuss delivery options.

Payment by bank transfer, PayPal and card via phone.

Height
44cm (17.32")
Width
87cm (34.25")
Depth
43cm (16.93")
Date of Manufacture

Jane Short Antiques has dated this Antique Zanzibar Brass Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1185100
Dealers Internal Ref
A0470
Jane Short Antiques
Jane Short Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2020

30 years of expertise in 17th- to early 20th-century furniture and fine art

Dealer Profile

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

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A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock.
1 / 9
Archive I A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock.

Zanzibar Chest

Archive II A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View II
Archive III A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View III
Archive IV A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View IV
Archive V A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View V
Archive VI A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View VI
Archive VII A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View VII
Archive VIII A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View VIII
Archive IX A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Location
Sudbury
Suffolk
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2020
Items For Sale 193
Items Sold 942
Jane Short Antiques
Jane Short Antiques
Verified Since Mar 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Verified
Mar 2020
For Sale
193
Sold
942
A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock.
Zanzibar Chest
Ref: SA1185100
A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Zanzibar chests originated along the Swahili Coast as trade items heavily influenced by Arab, Indian, and Portuguese maritime merchants. Historically used to transport textiles, spices, and personal wealth, these chests served both as secure storage and as status symbols within coastal households.

These chests are typically crafted from dense tropical hardwoods such as teak or rosewood to endure maritime environments. The exterior features extensive decorative brass studding, brass sheet overlays, and cast iron or brass lock mechanisms.

Authentic pieces exhibit hand-hammered brass tacks arranged in traditional geometric or floral motifs, visible hand-cut dovetail or mortise joints, and heavy solid wood construction. Original brass elements often display natural oxidisation and slight irregularities characteristic of hand fabrication.

A Zanzibar chest functions effectively as a central coffee table, a hall storage bench, or a statement piece placed at the foot of a bed. Its deep wood tones and brass work pair well with neutral upholstery, natural linen, and warm leather accents.

Dust the wood regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and apply a clear beeswax polish annually to nourish the timber. Avoid abrasive cleaners on the brass elements to preserve the historical patina and protect against moisture.
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