17th Century Oak Coffer 17th Century

Name: Fine 17th Century Carved Oak Coffer
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1240795
Price: 780 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectCoffers & Storage Chests
Period17th century
Style17th Century Jacobean
MaterialOak, Iron
ColourDark Brown
MotifsCarved lozenges, Foliate frieze, Stile feet, Panelled construction
SizeH 61 cm (24 in) x W 114 cm (45 in) x D 18 cm (7 in)

This seventeenth-century Jacobean oak coffer displays a dark brown timber finish with visible grain variations across the surfaces. The piece features a hinged two-panel lid, a carved foliate frieze running along the upper front rails, and two large carved lozenge motifs set within the lower panels, complemented by stile feet and iron hardware including a central lock plate. The construction uses pegged joints along the upright stiles. Measuring 61 cm high, 114 cm wide, and 18 cm deep, this storage chest functions practically as a side table, hallway console, or blanket box in traditional living spaces, bedrooms, or entrance halls.

FAQs

A 17th-century coffer is a wooden storage chest constructed with joinery panels and typically decorated with hand-carved relief patterns such as lozenges, guilloche, or foliate scrolls. These pieces served as primary storage for textiles and valuables during the Jacobean and Carolean eras.

These coffers were predominantly crafted from native English oak using frame-and-panel mortise and tenon joinery secured with wooden pegs. The decorative elements were carved directly into the solid timber friezes and panels by hand.

Authentic period coffers display hand-hewn timber surfaces, pegged mortise-and-tenon construction, iron wire hinges or staple hinges, and irregular wear patterns consistent with age. Natural timber shrinkage over centuries often causes slight distortion in the panels and framing.

An antique oak coffer can be positioned at the foot of a bed, used as a statement storage trunk in a hallway, or placed in a living area as a coffee table. Its rich timber tone contrasts well against minimalist walls, neutral textiles, and contemporary artwork.

Dust the surface regularly with a soft dry cloth and apply a high-quality beeswax polish once or twice a year to maintain the timber finish. Position the coffer away from direct heat sources and fluctuating humidity to prevent the oak from warping or splitting.

Elaine Phillips Antiques Ltd

Fine 17th Century Carved Oak Coffer