A Substantial Elizabethan Oak Boarded Chest by Repute from Edinburgh Castle

A substantial and fine example of an Elizabethan oak boarded chest of impressive scale. Dating from the 16th century the chest is in almost entirely original untouched condition condition, Constructed in the traditional manner from exceptionally heavy oak boards, the lid and ends are formed from pairs of wide boards secured by original wrought-iron straps terminating in distinctive fleur-de-lys ends, the end boards descending to characteristic M-cut feet. The single rear board in quarter sawn oak is remarkable, measuring over 16 inches (41cm) in width and more than an inch (in this case 3cm) in thickness, a testament to the availability of timber of exceptional size during the period. Quarter sawn oak is the finest cut of oak as it exposes the medullary rays.

The chest retains a superb untouched surface with a fabulous deep, rich colour, particularly to the broad 15" lid, developed through centuries of age and use. Quite remarkably it remains entirely original throughout, the only loss being the lock plate, removed many years ago, with no other alterations to the structure. Decoration comprises incised channel carving, punchwork and restrained chip-carved ornament, typical of the robust vernacular craftsmanship of the period. The shakes to the front and top show that oak boards used to make the chest that weren't properly seasoned. These would have been visible to the chest's first owner in the first few years of its life as the thick oak boards dried out.

Provenance:

The previous owner's parents purchased the chest during the late 1970s when they were furnishing a 16th-century farmhouse. The purchase was made through an old family friend who was then living at Culzean Castle, Ayrshire. The family friend is said to have been acquainted with a caretaker at Edinburgh Castle, who was dealing with the sale of a small number of items from the castle, and is understood to have introduced the purchasers to the opportunity.

Whilst no documentary evidence survives to substantiate this history, it has accompanied the chest for almost fifty years and should be regarded as an oral provenance rather than documented fact. It nevertheless provides an intriguing account of the chest’s more recent history.

Measuring: 145 cm (57") wide, 64 cm (25")high , 15" deep.

British, 16th century

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