18th.century Oak Mule Chest Coffer

Name: 18th.century Oak Mule Chest Coffer
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1186374
Price: 695 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectCoffers & Storage Chests
Period18th century
StyleGeorgian
MaterialOak, Brass
ColourDark Brown
MotifsFielded panels, Lower drawers, Brass escutcheons, Scalloped apron
SizeH 70 cm (28 in) x W 127 cm (50 in) x D 53.5 cm (21 in)

This 18th century Georgian mule chest or coffer is constructed from solid oak with a dark brown finish and brass hardware. The piece displays a rectangular form measuring 70 cm high, 127 cm wide, and 53.5 cm deep, incorporating a four-panel hinged top above a front with three fielded panels and two lower drawers fitted with brass drop handles and working locks. Additional visual details include moulded stiles, brass escutcheons, a scalloped apron, and a hanging tassel decoration. Signs of age and wear are visible across the timber surfaces, along with replaced antique handles. Suitable for use in a hallway, bedroom, or living room, this traditional storage chest provides functional organisation alongside historic character. The interior provides generous storage capacity complete with an original lock, hinges, and side candle box. The sturdy proportions allow the chest to double as a surface for display items while maintaining its primary function as a classic English country house storage piece.

FAQs

A mule chest is an evolution of the traditional coffer, developed during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Britain and North America. It incorporated lower drawers beneath the main storage cavity, providing dedicated space for slippers or lighter garments called mules.

Period coffers were predominantly crafted from solid native hardwoods, most commonly English oak, pine, or elm. Joiners utilized hand-planed panels, mortise and tenon joints held by wooden dowels, and forged iron or brass hardware.

Authentic period pieces show evidence of hand-craftsmanship, such as irregular saw marks, hand-cut dovetails, wooden peg joinery, and natural shrinkage across wide timber panels over time. Original brass escutcheons and locks often display minor surface irregularity and age-related oxidisation.

An oak coffer functions effectively as a focal piece in an entryway, living room, or at the foot of a bed. Its rich wood grain creates visual contrast when paired with contemporary neutral upholstery, stone floors, or modern architectural elements.

Regular dusting with a soft, lint-free cloth and an annual application of high-quality beeswax polish will protect the timber finish. Keep the chest away from direct heat sources and extreme humidity changes to prevent wood shrinkage and split panels.

John Howkins Antiques

18th.century Oak Mule Chest Coffer

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