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ID #SA1130600
FOR SALE
£1,650
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A Rare 17th Century Oak Mule Chest. Coffer.
For sale by Dickinsons Antiques
for sale €1,931     $2,096
£1,650
Dickinsons Antiques

Dickinsons Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2020
Browse dealers 75 items
  • About Us
    Dealing in early oak and country furniture since 1958.
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Id #SA1130600
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A Rare 17th Century Oak Mule Chest. Coffer.

17th century
Description

A superb example of an oak coffer or mule chest from the late 17th century featuring a wonderfully carved pair of Dragons or Wyverns to the panels.

In fantastic condition retaining the three original ring hinges, all oak boarding, the original drawer runners and iron escutcheon.

The brass handles are later additions but look to have been added in the early 18th Century rather than the single drawer pull.

Interestingly the background of the carving and scratch mouldings have been ebonized to make the carving stand out.

An excellent example standing well up on its feet and of a great colour and surface.

Circa 1680

Physical Dimensions
Height
77cm (30.31")
Width
146cm (57.48")
Depth
62cm (24.41")
Declaration

Dickinsons Antiques has dated this Carved Oak Mule Chest to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1130600
Dealers Notes

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any queries or to request additional photos.

All items can be viewed in our showrooms in Gargrave. Normally open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday or any other time by appointment. Always best to phone or email just to check we are going to be in.

Most items include free mainland UK delivery.

Worldwide delivery available please contact for price.

Description
A superb example of an oak coffer or mule chest from the late 17th century featuring a wonderfully carved pair of Dragons or Wyverns to the panels.
“
In fantastic condition retaining the three original ring hinges, all oak boarding, the original drawer runners and iron escutcheon.
Dickinsons Antiques
fig 1. A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid.
fig 1. A Rare 17th Century Oak Mule Chest. Coffer.

The brass handles are later additions but look to have been added in the early 18th Century rather than the single drawer pull.

Interestingly the background of the carving and scratch mouldings have been ebonized to make the carving stand out.

An excellent example standing well up on its feet and of a great colour and surface.

Circa 1680

Height
77cm (30.31")
Width
146cm (57.48")
Depth
62cm (24.41")
Date of Manufacture

Dickinsons Antiques has dated this Carved Oak Mule Chest to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1130600
Dickinsons Antiques
Dickinsons Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2020

Dealing in early oak and country furniture since 1958.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Dickinsons Antiques Profile Page

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A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid.
1 / 13
Archive I A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid.

A Rare 17th Century Oak Mule Chest. Coffer.

Archive II A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid. View II
Archive III A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid.
Archive V A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid. View V
Archive VI A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid. View VI
Archive VII A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid. View VII
Archive VIII A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid. View VIII
Archive IX A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid. View IX
Archive X A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid. View X
Archive XI A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid. View XI
Archive XII A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid. View XII
Archive XIII A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
Dickinsons Antiques

Dickinsons Antiques
Telephone 01756 748257 or 07971 958303
Location
The Estate Yard
West Street
Gargrave
North Yorkshire
BD23 3RD
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/dickinsons
Verified Since Oct 2020
Items For Sale 75
Items Sold 249
Dickinsons Antiques
Dickinsons Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: The Estate Yard, West Street, Gargrave, North Yorkshire, BD23 3RD, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/dickinsons
Verified
Oct 2020
For Sale
75
Sold
249
A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid.
A Rare 17th Century Oak Mule Chest. Coffer.
Ref: SA1130600
A 17th century dark oak mule chest featuring carved scrollwork front panels, two lower drawers with brass handles, and a panelled top lid.
Detail View 1
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Scale Reference
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectCoffers & Trunks
  • Period17th century
  • StyleJacobean
  • MaterialOak, Brass, Iron
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsCarved scrollwork, Panelled lid, Brass swan-neck handles, Stile feet
  • SizeH 77 cm (30 in) x W 146 cm (57 in) x D 62 cm (24 in)

This seventeenth-century Jacobean mule chest or coffer originates from England and is constructed from solid oak with brass and iron hardware. The dark brown timber displays a rich surface finish with ebonised background detailing to the carved scrollwork panels and scratch mouldings, accompanied by panelled top lids and stile feet. Decorative elements include carved dragon or wyvern motifs, an iron escutcheon, three original ring hinges, and later brass swan-neck handles above two lower drawers. Measuring 77 cm high, 146 cm wide, and 62 cm deep, this practical storage piece provides a generous surface and internal space suitable for use in an entrance hall, living room, or bedroom. Traditional joinery and original oak boarding underpin the robust structure, which stands firmly upon square upright supports. The front elevation showcases symmetrical mythical carvings that contrast sharply against the darkened recesses, while the lower section incorporates functional drawer storage fitted with period brass drop handles. The lid lifts to reveal a capacious compartment for blankets, linens, or seasonal apparel, blending utility with centuries-old craftsmanship. This English country house coffer integrates effortlessly into traditional or eclectic interiors, serving both as a focal point and a functional container in contemporary domestic settings.

FAQs

A mule chest is a traditional wooden storage chest featuring a hinged lid above one or two drawers at the base. Originating in the 17th century, it evolved from the basic coffer to provide separate storage for smaller items such as gloves or stockings in the lower drawers.

17th-century coffers were predominantly constructed from solid native oak using pegged mortise and tenon joinery. They feature panelled lids and sides, hand-carved decorative motifs on the front panels, and iron or brass hardware.

Authentic 17th-century pieces display signs of hand-planed timber, original wooden peg joints, and irregularities in the carving executed with hand chisels. Look for age-related patination, historic repairs, original iron hinges, and hand-forged nails or dovetail construction in the lower drawers.

Position a carved oak coffer in a hallway, bedroom, or living room as a focal storage piece. Pair it with contemporary artwork, textured fabrics, or neutral plaster walls to create a subtle contrast between historical oak craftsmanship and modern minimalist interior design.

Preserve the timber by applying a high-quality beeswax polish once or twice a year, buffing gently along the grain. Keep the chest away from direct heat sources and damp environments to prevent the solid oak panels from warping or splitting over time.
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