What is a 17th-century marquetry chest?

A 17th-century marquetry chest is a heavy wooden storage box, typically constructed from oak, featuring decorative surface inlays of contrasting light and dark woods to create geometric or floral motifs. Common during the Jacobean, Commonwealth, and Restoration periods, these chests served as foundational domestic furniture for storing textiles and valuables.

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

These chests were primarily crafted from native hard woods such as oak, assembled using joinery techniques including mortise and tenon joints held together with wooden pegs (trunnels). Marquetry inlays utilised contrasting woods like fruitwood, holly, or walnut, while iron hardware was fitted for lock plates and strap hinges.

How can you identify an authentic 17th-century oak coffer?

Authentic 17th-century coffers exhibit signs of age such as hand-planed interior surfaces, uneven timber dimensions, pegs protruding slightly from shrinkage over time, and authentic oxidisation around iron fittings. Inscriptions or carved dates, such as 1658, were often added during construction to commemorate marriages or significant events.

How do you style a 17th-century oak chest in a modern interior?

An antique oak coffer functions well as a focal point in an entryway, at the foot of a bed, or as a coffee table in a living space. Pairing dark, textured oak with neutral linen upholstery, contemporary lighting, and modern artwork creates a balanced contrast between historic craftsmanship and contemporary design.

How should antique oak furniture with marquetry be maintained?

Dust the surface regularly with a soft, dry cloth and apply a high-quality beeswax paste once or twice a year to nourish the wood. Avoid placing the chest near direct heat sources or in damp areas, as fluctuating humidity can cause the wood frame to warp or cause the delicate marquetry inlays to lift.

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17th Century Marquetry Chest Dated 1658

Name: 17th Century Marquetry Chest Dated 1658
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1223931
Price: 1350 GBP
Availability: InStock

17th century

For Sale by Webberley Antiques

Description

Rare and exceptional, with all original foliate marquetry and original hardware and with no later timbers, this beautiful large marriage chest has been in the same family for generations and has always been lovingly cared for.

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The coffer has a number of finer quality details including the well shaped and channel carved stiles and muntins which separate the panels on the front and sides and match the stiles and muntins on the lid.

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The marquetry is made of ebony, holly, applewood and walnut – the inlay process is extremely time consuming and an expensive detail to have added to any furniture of this mid 17th Century period. Everything had to be carved with hand held tools and it took many years of experience, knowledge and skill to carefully cut the pattern into the fronts of each fielded panel and then cut each tiny piece of exotic timber and shape it to fit the pattern before being inlaid. The inlays were held in a candle flame to smoke the edges and add a 3D depth to the pattern.

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Here there are five intricate and exuberant marquetry panels – four to the front of the coffer and one to the centre of the lid. All original.

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The far left fielded panel of the lid has been inlaid with the Initials I.W. and the date A.D. 1658. The far right hand panel of the lid has been inlaid with the initials R.M.

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I.W married R.M in 1658 and this marriage chest was made to commemorate their union and no expense was spared. Often the first letter indicates the surname and so perhaps their first names were William and Mary. In the 1700s, the names William, James and Thomas were given to about half of all baby boys and Anne, Elizabeth and Mary to about half of all baby girls!

.

The colours of the marquetry 350 years ago would have been far brighter, almost garish by modern standards, but the inlays have now mellowed to creams, golds, tan and plum colours with ebony flourishes.

.

The lid rises smoothly and closes properly on original hinges. The condition is excellent throughout with no repairs or significant losses. There are some old shrinkage cracks in the lid panels but these are stable and not going anywhere. I cannot find any evidence of worm and there are no later elements. The lidded candle box is lovely and the chest retains its original hinges and hand forged and riveted iron lock, hasp and iron escutcheon.

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This coffer has a solid oak carcase with deeply fielded panelled sides and original tenon and pegged joints. It is heavy and robust and can store a large amount. It would work very well alongside modern or antique furniture and could be used as a linen store, or at the end of a bed or in a hallway.

.

A coffer of this age and of a similar design was offered by Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers recently and sold for £2,800 inclusive of commission despite later hinges, repairs, later carving, undated and with missing elements. See lot 1438 of the sale of 14.4.26

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To have the marquetry on the top and front of the coffer would have made this a very expensive and bespoke commission by a wealthy couple who wanted their names to be remembered through this wonderful and historic piece of early English furniture.

.

A really special and rare piece with a superb natural colour, deep patination and in exceptional condition for age.

.

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Dimensions are:

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52 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 29.5 inches high.

Declaration

Webberley Antiques has dated this Antique Oak Marquetry Chest to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1223931

Dealers Notes

I describe and photograph my pieces accurately and with the aim that on arrival each will exceed your expectations.

I operate a full refund guarantee and am always happy to give free, honest and friendly advice.

Description

fig 1. A 17th-century dark oak chest featuring four front panels with intricate floral marquetry inlay, a panelled top, and an iron keyhole. — fig 1. 17th Century Marquetry Chest Dated 1658

The coffer has a number of finer quality details including the well shaped and channel carved stiles and muntins which separate the panels on the front and sides and match the stiles and muntins on the lid.

“

The marquetry is made of ebony, holly, applewood and walnut – the inlay process is extremely time consuming and an expensive detail to have added to any furniture of this mid 17th Century period.

Webberley Antiques

Everything had to be carved with hand held tools and it took many years of experience, knowledge and skill to carefully cut the pattern into the fronts of each fielded panel and then cut each tiny piece of exotic timber and shape it to fit the pattern before being inlaid. The inlays were held in a candle flame to smoke the edges and add a 3D depth to the pattern.

fig 2. A 17th-century dark oak chest featuring four front panels with intricate floral marquetry inlay, a panelled top, and an iron keyhole. — fig 2. 17th Century Marquetry Chest Dated 1658

Here there are five intricate and exuberant marquetry panels – four to the front of the coffer and one to the centre of the lid. All original.

The far left fielded panel of the lid has been inlaid with the Initials I.W. and the date A.D. 1658. The far right hand panel of the lid has been inlaid with the initials R.M.

fig 3. A 17th-century dark oak chest featuring four front panels with intricate floral marquetry inlay, a panelled top, and an iron keyhole. — fig 3. 17th Century Marquetry Chest Dated 1658

I.W married R.M in 1658 and this marriage chest was made to commemorate their union and no expense was spared. Often the first letter indicates the surname and so perhaps their first names were William and Mary. In the 1700s, the names William, James and Thomas were given to about half of all baby boys and Anne, Elizabeth and Mary to about half of all baby girls!

fig 4. A 17th-century dark oak chest featuring four front panels with intricate floral marquetry inlay, a panelled top, and an iron keyhole. — fig 4. 17th Century Marquetry Chest Dated 1658

The colours of the marquetry 350 years ago would have been far brighter, almost garish by modern standards, but the inlays have now mellowed to creams, golds, tan and plum colours with ebony flourishes.

fig 5. A 17th-century dark oak chest featuring four front panels with intricate floral marquetry inlay, a panelled top, and an iron keyhole. — fig 5. 17th Century Marquetry Chest Dated 1658

The lid rises smoothly and closes properly on original hinges. The condition is excellent throughout with no repairs or significant losses. There are some old shrinkage cracks in the lid panels but these are stable and not going anywhere. I cannot find any evidence of worm and there are no later elements. The lidded candle box is lovely and the chest retains its original hinges and hand forged and riveted iron lock, hasp and iron escutcheon.

fig 6. A 17th-century dark oak chest featuring four front panels with intricate floral marquetry inlay, a panelled top, and an iron keyhole. — fig 6. 17th Century Marquetry Chest Dated 1658

This coffer has a solid oak carcase with deeply fielded panelled sides and original tenon and pegged joints. It is heavy and robust and can store a large amount. It would work very well alongside modern or antique furniture and could be used as a linen store, or at the end of a bed or in a hallway.

fig 7. A 17th-century dark oak chest featuring four front panels with intricate floral marquetry inlay, a panelled top, and an iron keyhole. — fig 7. 17th Century Marquetry Chest Dated 1658

A coffer of this age and of a similar design was offered by Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers recently and sold for £2,800 inclusive of commission despite later hinges, repairs, later carving, undated and with missing elements. See lot 1438 of the sale of 14.4.26

fig 8. A 17th-century dark oak chest featuring four front panels with intricate floral marquetry inlay, a panelled top, and an iron keyhole. — fig 8. 17th Century Marquetry Chest Dated 1658

To have the marquetry on the top and front of the coffer would have made this a very expensive and bespoke commission by a wealthy couple who wanted their names to be remembered through this wonderful and historic piece of early English furniture.

A really special and rare piece with a superb natural colour, deep patination and in exceptional condition for age.

Dimensions are:

52 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 29.5 inches high.

Date of Manufacture

Webberley Antiques has dated this Antique Oak Marquetry Chest to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1223931

About the Dealer

Webberley Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2008

Specialists in 18th century and earlier furniture for more than 45 years