Antique Charles II English West Country Oak Six Plank Boarded Coffer Chest 17th Century (Circa 1660)

Here is a good quality primitive antique English Charles II English antique oak six-plank boarded coffer, from the late 17th century period, circa 1660, in good condition, with sought after proportions, lovely grain configuration and a rich oxblood colour. Such coffers, with two key locks, were commonly used in churches or educational facilities where several people had access to the coffer. Two people (with individual keys) were required to simultaneously open the coffer to ensure nothing was stolen as they usually contained manner of valuable possessions from weapons, clothing, and blankets to utensils.

The coffer is primitively constructed using six planks, with butt joints to the corners, held together by handmade iron nails. The lid, which features a nice over-hang, is decorated with simple reeded moulding to the front and back of the lid. The sides of the lid and frame feature primitive chip edge carvings with the original “s-curve” floral carvings to the front of the coffer above a wavy carved apron. The coffer stands on its original length stiles (feet), which were constructed from saw cuts forming v-shaped cutouts, which were deliberately continued higher on the external surface. It is rare to see feet, which have not been reduced in height (as this was the main point of contact with damp floors). The design of the feet and the chip edge carvings indicates that this may possibly have originated from the West Country.

The hinged lid features later (possibly Georgian) steel strap hinges as the original iron loop hinges have worn away (this is quite common, as the iron loop hinges were never a robust design). The coffer also retains its original iron striking plate, with one working lock (with key).

The interior is clean, dry and the coffer is practical and usable. The back of the coffer features the original rough-hewn back and original floor. The coffer features the original wax polish therefore it has a stunning dark rich oxblood red and brown colour and patination.

Condition Report:

The coffer is in good condition and features the original iron striking plate, original floor, lid, sides, back and feet. The coffer stands on the original length stiles (feet), which is rare to see. The front panel retains one of the original working locks (with key). The hinged lid features later (probably Georgian) steel strap hinges, as the original iron loop hinges have worn away (this is common, as the iron loop hinges were never a robust design). Nominal old marks to the top, edges, sides and front of the lid but nothing significant considering the age of the item. Such old use marks are inevitable and perfectly acceptable due to its age and use it would have received. The interior is clean, dry, and usable. The coffer is solid in joint, it does not wobble on the floor and is ready to use. Considering the age of this early coffer, it is in very good condition!

Dimensions:

Height = 55.5cm or 21?” or 1ft 9?”

Width (lid) = 111.7cm or 44” or 3ft 8”

Width (body) = 106.8cm or 42” or 3ft 6”

Depth (lid) = 40.2cm or 15?” or 1ft 3?”

Depth (body) = 37.8cm or 14?” or 1ft 2?”

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland. *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland. If you live in one of the areas, please contact us for a delivery quote.

Free 14 Days 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.

International Buyers:

Please contact us before purchasing the item, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.

Ref. Coffer 26

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