A 17th Century Oak Five Plank Coffer in Good Condition.

Name: A 17th Century Oak Five Plank Coffer in Good Condition.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA349780
Availability: SoldOut

17th century

Sold by Atropos Antiques

Description

This super coffer has spent it's entire life, as far as I can ascertain, in a north cornish farm house.

These coffers are sometimes referred to as 'sword boxes' which is a somewhat glamorous title particularly taking into account that those who owned them could probably hardly afford cutlery, let alone swords!

It is more likely that these chests or coffers were made by their owners or possibly the local blacksmith or carpenter and were designed to house items of value and things likely to be consumed by rodents. Furniture, at this time was the preserve of the wealthy and most cottagers were in possession of a table, a bed, perhaps a food cupboard, a trestle or two and then, of course, the ubiquitous 'coffer' which would also serve as a seat.

So many of these have been 'carved up' as we say in the trade. By this I mean that enthusiastic victorians liked the heavily 'carved' look so lots of areas were added to with carvings and very often a completely fictitious and meaningless date. (i have known the odd antique dealer 'add' a bit of 'authenticity' to such pieces too!!

This coffer is very original. One feature that all from this age would have had is a pair of simple staple hinges. These are seldom still intact and this lid and carcase has the remains of it's staples still apparent. The hinges would eventually wear out and those present here are later, (1760) 'spade end hinges'. Locks were another casualty for obvious reasons and this chest bears a later but very period lock and hasp.

I commend this coffer as a clean and 'sleepy' example of good proportions and with an outstanding sheen and patina.

Unfussy and subtle it will add a good look to any period home.

Priced to sell.

Dimensions.

Width. 45.5 inches.

Front to back. 15.5 inches.

Height. 22 inches.

All questions welcome.

Declaration

Atropos Antiques has dated this piece to the Before 1700 period.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA349780

Dealers Internal Reference

OAK COFFER

Dealers Notes

georgemorgan90@gmail.com

Description

This super coffer has spent it's entire life, as far as I can ascertain, in a north cornish farm house.

These coffers are sometimes referred to as 'sword boxes' which is a somewhat glamorous title particularly taking into account that those who owned them could probably hardly afford cutlery, let alone swords!

fig 1. A 17th CENTURY OAK FIVE PLANK COFFER IN GOOD CONDITION. — fig 1. A 17th Century Oak Five Plank Coffer in Good Condition.

It is more likely that these chests or coffers were made by their owners or possibly the local blacksmith or carpenter and were designed to house items of value and things likely to be consumed by rodents. Furniture, at this time was the preserve of the wealthy and most cottagers were in possession of a table, a bed, perhaps a food cupboard, a trestle or two and then, of course, the ubiquitous 'coffer' which would also serve as a seat.

So many of these have been 'carved up' as we say in the trade.

“

By this I mean that enthusiastic victorians liked the heavily 'carved' look so lots of areas were added to with carvings and very often a completely fictitious and meaningless date.

Atropos Antiques

(i have known the odd antique dealer 'add' a bit of 'authenticity' to such pieces too!!

fig 2. A 17th CENTURY OAK FIVE PLANK COFFER IN GOOD CONDITION. — fig 2. A 17th Century Oak Five Plank Coffer in Good Condition.

This coffer is very original. One feature that all from this age would have had is a pair of simple staple hinges. These are seldom still intact and this lid and carcase has the remains of it's staples still apparent. The hinges would eventually wear out and those present here are later, (1760) 'spade end hinges'. Locks were another casualty for obvious reasons and this chest bears a later but very period lock and hasp.