What defines Jacobean and 17th-century oak furniture?

Jacobean furniture, originating in 17th-century England, is characterised by sturdy joined oak construction, geometric panel mouldings, and architectural influences such as split balusters and decorative timber or bone inlays.

How were 17th-century oak chests constructed?

These pieces were typically built using mortise and tenon joinery secured with wooden pegs, featuring solid oak panels, hand-planed surfaces, side-hung drawer runners, and hand-forged iron or brass hardware.

How can one identify an authentic 17th-century inlaid oak chest?

Authentic period oak chests exhibit signs of hand-tooling, irregular hand-cut joinery, wooden peg construction, deep natural oxidisation in untouched areas, and proportional wear consistent with historical use.

How do you style a Jacobean oak chest in a contemporary interior?

A Jacobean oak chest serves as a grounding focal point in modern spaces when contrasted against neutral walls, paired with simple contemporary lighting, or framed by modern artwork to highlight its rich patination.

What is the best way to maintain and care for antique inlaid oak?

Dust regularly with a dry, lint-free cloth and apply a high-quality beeswax polish once or twice a year to nourish the timber, avoiding modern spray polishes and placement near direct heat sources.

for sale €930 $1,010

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17th Century and Later Inlaid Oak Chest of Drawers

Name: 17th Century and Later Inlaid Oak Chest of Drawers
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1228444
Price: 795 GBP
Availability: InStock

17th century

For Sale by Also Antique Furniture

Description

DESCRIPTION

This is an unusual 17th century and later oak chest of drawers of architectural form. The rectangular plank top above an elaborately moulded frieze drawer with geometric inlay, over two deep drawers flanked by turned columns; the whole with applied moulded and dentil decoration and raised on shaped supports.

The geometric decoration to the upper frieze incorporates contrasting pale and dark inlay and is a particularly distinctive feature of the piece.

The chest has clearly undergone alteration during its long history and appears to incorporate early timbers together with later work. Its unusual form, substantial construction and architectural detailing give it considerable character.

DIMENSIONS

Height: 72cm

Width: 114cm

Depth: 58cm

CONDITION

There are marks, knocks and scratches commensurate with age and use. There are some minor losses to the decorative mouldings, including a small section of dentil moulding to the front and shaped mouldings from the lower sides.

The upper drawer has a later, well-made removable lining. There is wear to the runners of the lower drawer, although all drawers run smoothly.

The piece has undergone significant alteration during its history and may incorporate re-used earlier timbers. This is particularly evident in the lower drawer, which appears to have been formed from two earlier shallow drawers. The limited wear to the runners associated with the former upper drawer suggests that this alteration itself was carried out a considerable time ago.

The chest is structurally sound and has a particularly attractive dark colour and character, with the historic alterations forming part of its long history.

As with all antique and vintage furniture, this piece has been used and enjoyed over many years and should be expected to show signs of age and use. We aim to describe any significant faults, repairs or alterations as accurately and honestly as possible. The photographs form an important part of the description and should be viewed alongside the written condition report. If you would like further information or additional photographs, we are always happy to help before purchase. If there are any critical dimensions then please check these with us before purchase.

ABOUT ALSO ANTIQUES

Thank you for viewing this item from Also Antique Furniture – Antique Furniture & Decorative Objects. We specialise in antique furniture and decorative objects, offering carefully selected pieces chosen for their quality, craftsmanship and character. Every item is individually inspected, researched and professionally photographed, with clear descriptions and honest condition reports to help you buy with confidence. We believe antiques should be enjoyed and used, and we take pride in offering pieces that will continue to give pleasure for generations to come.

DELIVERY

Collection is welcome within seven days of purchase unless otherwise agreed. We can usually arrange delivery throughout mainland UK using trusted independent couriers. Delivery is charged at cost, and quotations are available on request. As a general guide, delivery for an average-sized chest of drawers is typically between £80 and £100. Larger items and more remote locations will incur higher charges. Most deliveries are completed within approximately two weeks, although faster delivery may sometimes be available. Please contact us with your postcode for a delivery quotation before purchasing.

AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION

We strive to describe every item as accurately and honestly as possible, highlighting both its strengths and any significant faults. Statements regarding age, attribution, origin and provenance are offered in good faith and represent our professional opinion based on the information available at the time of listing. As all of our items are antique or vintage, minor imperfections, evidence of use and signs of age should be expected and are considered part of their authenticity and appeal.

Declaration

Also Antique Furniture has dated this Jacobean Inlaid Oak Chest to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1228444

Description

DESCRIPTION

This is an unusual 17th century and later oak chest of drawers of architectural form. The rectangular plank top above an elaborately moulded frieze drawer with geometric inlay, over two deep drawers flanked by turned columns; the whole with applied moulded and dentil decoration and raised on shaped supports.

“

The geometric decoration to the upper frieze incorporates contrasting pale and dark inlay and is a particularly distinctive feature of the piece.

Also Antique Furniture

fig 1. A dark oak 17th-century style chest of drawers featuring geometric timber inlay along the top frieze, applied mouldings, and brass drop handles. — fig 1. 17th Century and Later Inlaid Oak Chest of Drawers

The chest has clearly undergone alteration during its long history and appears to incorporate early timbers together with later work. Its unusual form, substantial construction and architectural detailing give it considerable character.

fig 2. A dark oak 17th-century style chest of drawers featuring geometric timber inlay along the top frieze, applied mouldings, and brass drop handles. — fig 2. 17th Century and Later Inlaid Oak Chest of Drawers

DIMENSIONS

Height: 72cm

Width: 114cm

Depth: 58cm

CONDITION

There are marks, knocks and scratches commensurate with age and use. There are some minor losses to the decorative mouldings, including a small section of dentil moulding to the front and shaped mouldings from the lower sides.

fig 3. A dark oak 17th-century style chest of drawers featuring geometric timber inlay along the top frieze, applied mouldings, and brass drop handles. — fig 3. 17th Century and Later Inlaid Oak Chest of Drawers

The upper drawer has a later, well-made removable lining. There is wear to the runners of the lower drawer, although all drawers run smoothly.

The piece has undergone significant alteration during its history and may incorporate re-used earlier timbers. This is particularly evident in the lower drawer, which appears to have been formed from two earlier shallow drawers. The limited wear to the runners associated with the former upper drawer suggests that this alteration itself was carried out a considerable time ago.

fig 4. A dark oak 17th-century style chest of drawers featuring geometric timber inlay along the top frieze, applied mouldings, and brass drop handles. — fig 4. 17th Century and Later Inlaid Oak Chest of Drawers

The chest is structurally sound and has a particularly attractive dark colour and character, with the historic alterations forming part of its long history.

As with all antique and vintage furniture, this piece has been used and enjoyed over many years and should be expected to show signs of age and use. We aim to describe any significant faults, repairs or alterations as accurately and honestly as possible. The photographs form an important part of the description and should be viewed alongside the written condition report. If you would like further information or additional photographs, we are always happy to help before purchase. If there are any critical dimensions then please check these with us before purchase.

fig 5. A dark oak 17th-century style chest of drawers featuring geometric timber inlay along the top frieze, applied mouldings, and brass drop handles. — fig 5. 17th Century and Later Inlaid Oak Chest of Drawers

ABOUT ALSO ANTIQUES

Thank you for viewing this item from Also Antique Furniture – Antique Furniture & Decorative Objects. We specialise in antique furniture and decorative objects, offering carefully selected pieces chosen for their quality, craftsmanship and character. Every item is individually inspected, researched and professionally photographed, with clear descriptions and honest condition reports to help you buy with confidence. We believe antiques should be enjoyed and used, and we take pride in offering pieces that will continue to give pleasure for generations to come.

fig 6. A dark oak 17th-century style chest of drawers featuring geometric timber inlay along the top frieze, applied mouldings, and brass drop handles. — fig 6. 17th Century and Later Inlaid Oak Chest of Drawers

DELIVERY

Collection is welcome within seven days of purchase unless otherwise agreed. We can usually arrange delivery throughout mainland UK using trusted independent couriers. Delivery is charged at cost, and quotations are available on request. As a general guide, delivery for an average-sized chest of drawers is typically between £80 and £100. Larger items and more remote locations will incur higher charges. Most deliveries are completed within approximately two weeks, although faster delivery may sometimes be available. Please contact us with your postcode for a delivery quotation before purchasing.

fig 7. A dark oak 17th-century style chest of drawers featuring geometric timber inlay along the top frieze, applied mouldings, and brass drop handles. — fig 7. 17th Century and Later Inlaid Oak Chest of Drawers

AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION

We strive to describe every item as accurately and honestly as possible, highlighting both its strengths and any significant faults. Statements regarding age, attribution, origin and provenance are offered in good faith and represent our professional opinion based on the information available at the time of listing. As all of our items are antique or vintage, minor imperfections, evidence of use and signs of age should be expected and are considered part of their authenticity and appeal.

Date of Manufacture

Also Antique Furniture has dated this Jacobean Inlaid Oak Chest to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1228444

About the Dealer

Also Antique Furniture

Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2025

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Also Antique Furniture Profile Page

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