17th Century Oak Coffer 17th Century

Name: Dated 17thc Cassone.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1232715
Price: 1750 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectCoffers & Chests
Period17th century
StyleJacobean
MaterialOak, Iron
ColourDark Brown
MotifsCarved arches, Dated central shield, Botanical motifs, Shaped apron

This seventeenth-century Italian cassone stands on its original low base, constructed from dark brown cedar wood with a deep patina. The rectangular chest has a hinged top and an iron lock plate mounted centrally on the front frieze. Three arched panels across the front contain carved botanical motifs and flowers, whilst the central panel displays an inscribed shield bearing the date 1644 and the initials EH. A shaped apron runs along the lower front edge, supported by simple rounded feet at the corners. The exterior shows visible age and wear across the timber surface. Measuring 61 cm in height, 148.5 cm in width, and 42 cm in depth, this storage chest functions practically as a linen box or blanket chest at the foot of a bed, or serves as a decorative storage surface in a hallway or living room. Its compact depth allows placement against narrow walls while providing substantial internal storage capacity.

FAQs

A coffer or cassone is a large wooden chest with a hinged lid, historically used for storing linens, clothing, and household valuables. During the 17th century, these pieces were constructed from solid timber and decorated with carved panels, initials, and dates to record family milestones.

These chests were typically crafted using native oak boards joined with mortise and tenon joints secured by wooden pegs. Hand-planed surfaces, carved decorative motifs, and hand-forged iron hinges or lock plates are characteristic structural features of the era.

Authentic period coffers display evidence of hand-tooling, wooden pegs protruding due to natural timber shrinkage over time, and uneven wear patterns around the base and hinges. Natural oxidisation inside the interior and authentic patination along handles and lids also indicate historical age.

A low carved oak coffer functions effectively at the foot of a bed, as a hallway bench, or as a central coffee table in a living room. Combining dark timber with neutral upholstery and contemporary textiles creates contrast without overpowering the surrounding room.

Keep the timber away from direct heat sources and sudden humidity changes to prevent timber movement or cracking. Dust regularly with a dry cloth and apply a beeswax polish periodically to maintain the timber finish and preserve historic surface patina.

Martin Murray Antiques

Dated 17thc Cassone.