What is a 17th-century oak coffer?

A coffer is a heavy wooden storage chest with a hinged lid, constructed during the 17th century for holding household linens, textiles, and personal valuables.

What materials were traditionally used to construct 17th-century coffers?

These coffers were crafted from solid European oak, featuring peg-jointed mortise and tenon framing, hand-carved decorative panels, and iron keyhole escutcheons.

How can you identify an authentic period oak coffer?

Authentic pieces display hand-planed wood surfaces, original wooden pin joinery, hand-carved details, and historical wear around the base stiles and lid edges.

How can an antique oak coffer be styled in a modern interior?

Position the coffer at the foot of a bed, in an entryway, or as a centrepiece coffee table in a living room to add architectural texture and functional storage.

How should an antique carved oak coffer be maintained?

Dust regularly with a dry cloth and apply a thin layer of natural beeswax polish annually to nourish the oak timber and maintain its historical patina.

for sale €848 $921

£725

Salisbury Antiques Centre

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2007

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Blanket Box

Charles II Oak Coffer

Id #SA1218917

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Late 17th Century Carved Oak Coffer

Name: Late 17th Century Carved Oak Coffer
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1218917
Price: 725 GBP
Availability: InStock

17th century

For Sale by Salisbury Antiques Centre

Description

A good late 17th century oak coffer or blanket chest, dating from circa 1680–1700, of traditional joined construction and standing on stile supports. The front is beautifully decorated with three carved panels featuring stylised floral and scroll motifs beneath a carved lunette frieze, retaining its original iron escutcheon to the centre.

The hinged lid opens to reveal a spacious interior with the remains of the original candle box to one side, a desirable feature often found in period coffers of this date. The chest displays a rich, warm oak colour and attractive patination developed over centuries of use.

A practical and highly decorative piece of English country furniture, ideal for use as a blanket box, storage chest, window seat, or hall piece.

Presented in good antique condition with age-related wear, marks and historic repairs consistent with its age and use.

Physical Dimensions

Height

68cm (26.77")

Width

120cm (47.24")

Depth

50cm (19.69")

Declaration

Salisbury Antiques Centre has dated this Antique Carved Oak Coffer to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1218917

Dealers Internal Reference

C2917

Dealers Notes

Please contact us for delivery options

Description

A good late 17th century oak coffer or blanket chest, dating from circa 1680–1700, of traditional joined construction and standing on stile supports.

“

The front is beautifully decorated with three carved panels featuring stylised floral and scroll motifs beneath a carved lunette frieze, retaining its original iron escutcheon to the centre.

Salisbury Antiques Centre

fig 1. A late 17th-century dark oak coffer with three hand-carved front panels featuring floral rosettes and S-scroll motifs below a lunette frieze. — fig 1. Late 17th Century Carved Oak Coffer

The hinged lid opens to reveal a spacious interior with the remains of the original candle box to one side, a desirable feature often found in period coffers of this date. The chest displays a rich, warm oak colour and attractive patination developed over centuries of use.