Charles I English Sword Chest (Circa 1630)

• Item: Sword chest

• Circa: 1630

• Period: Charles I

• Provenance: England, UK

• Wood: Solid oak

• Six-plank boarded design

• Peg construction

• Chip edge design

• Lunette carved front

• Primitive gadroon carving

• Carved lunette upper frieze

• Bowed front

• Working lock & key

• Hand beaten iron strap hinges

• “V” cut end feet

• Superb deep rich oak patina

• 14 days free UK returns policy

This is a very good quality and Charles I English chest, circa 1630. The six-plank sword chest features a primitive boarded design, most likely made by a carpenter as opposed to a joiner during the early part of the 17th century. The top and sides of the lid feature primitive chip edge carvings. The front of the chest features two large lunettes, which are flanked by deep carved gadrooning fans and gothic shaped arches below; this type of carving was popular on much earlier furniture in the medieval period. There is a lovely natural bow to the front of the chest, which is an indication of the chests age, and fact that is constructed of single plank. Interspersed along the front of the chest are rows of recessed carved ridges. The lid is connected to the base with the very old replacement iron strap hinges (possibly from the early Georgian period). There is a working lock and key with this coffer, which locks the top lid onto the base. The coffer sits on its original length “V” cut end feet, which is nice to see. Thee feet are supported by later facing spandrels. The back of the coffer features the original rough-hewn single plank back and original single plank floor. This coffer has sought after proportions not being too tall or deep. This coffer would have been commissioned for a wealthy country homeowner and would have been used to store a variety of items from weapons (e.g. swords) owing to its long narrow design as well as other possessions.

The interior is clean, dry and the coffer is practical and useable. The exterior of the coffer boasts a stunning rich oak colour patination. This is an important oak coffer having been around in the days of Charles I, Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland & Scotland and the Great Fire of London. The coffer would be ideal as a storage box in a bedroom in front of a bed.

Condition Report:

The frame of the chest is original and it stands on its original “V” cut end feet. The working lock and key are very old replacements. The iron hand beaten loop hinges are very old replacements (possibly early Georgian) and the chest features later facing spandrels to the underside. The interior is clean, dry and the coffer is practical and useable. The coffer is solid in joint and ready to use. Considering the age of this early coffer, it is in very good condition and does not detract from its attractive appeal.

Dimensions:

Height = 51.6cm or 20¼” or 1ft 8¼”

Width (lid) = 127.5cm or 50¼” or 4ft 2¼”

Width (body) = 120.5cm or 47 3/8” or 3ft 11 3/8”

Depth (lid) = 47.5cm or 18¾” or 1ft 6¾”

Depth (body) = 45.5cm or 17 7/8” or 1ft 5 7/8”

UK Delivery:

Delivery to any address in mainland England & Wales is £65. For delivery to Scotland & Ireland, please email for a quote.

Free 14 Day UK Returns & Refunds:

A free 14-day “no quibble” returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you. You will be given a refund excluding the delivery cost.

UK Buyer Payment:

For UK buyers, we accept cash on collection or delivery; cheque, credit card, BACS or PayPal.

International Buyers:

If you live outside of the UK and you would like to purchase this item; please contact us before purchasing the item.

Ref. Coffer 20

Please contact us on 01829 458 070 or 07960 738 212 to arrange a viewing. Alternatively, please email: info@yolagray.com