A very finely carved and presented oak Kist/ Coffer. The front is hand carved with elaborate pillars framing the door and both panels of intricate carving. At some point during the last 400 years, this late 17th century French Trunk was converted from a standard lift up top to a door access located at the front of the cabinet cleverly disguised in the original carved front framework, this sort of design is similar to that seen in french low buffets. This later adaptation enables one to be able to leave objects on top of the trunk even when accessing inside. This coffer features a hinged door with the original key finished with a hand-carved frontage. A truly remarkable and historic artifact, after all, the trunk was the first antique cased furniture, from which all others European antique furniture has evolved! In very good condition featuring a rich patina to the top surface, there are some signs of inactive woodworm to the front of this chest. Width: 153.0 cmH...