Welsh miniature chest of the particular style and proportions which is universally known by its Welsh-language term of coffor bach.
The detachable lid has a moulded edge and is fitted to the plain dovetailed box beneath by long wooden hinges; beneath a narrow moulding is a single drawer with circular brass handles above a deep base moulding which is raised on turned ball feet.
Wonderful original colour and surface patination.
(The iron lock plate is false, that is, there is no lock. On the drawer, the brass handles are possibly replacements, but of the correct type; there is evidence of a central wooden knob at some point. The rear feet are replacements.)
Carmarthenshire, west Wales, circa 1690.
The coffor bach was traditionally associated with marriage and went with the bride to her new home.
I think that this is probably the earliest example that I''ve ever come across - any earlier and it would simply be described as a box with a drawer and would not be of these proportions or have the same constructional details.
Height: 19.5 inches; 49 cms
Width: 24.5 inches; 63 cms
Depth: 14 inches; 36 cms.
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Antique Number: SA701004
Dateline of this antique is Before 1700
Height is 49cm (19.3inches)
Width is 63cm (24.8inches)
Depth is 36cm (14.2inches)
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