How do I spot a true seventeenth-century chest?

Examine the drawer construction for hand-sawn timber boards, pegged joints, and oak linings that show hand-planed marks rather than modern machine finishing. Check the backboards and carcase for signs of period hand-forged nails and the characteristic dry, patinated surface texture associated with early English joinery.

Were these chests used in bedrooms?

These storage pieces served primarily in principal chambers and entertaining rooms to store valuable textiles, table linens, and personal garments. Because closets were uncommon in early homes, large case pieces provided the main domestic security for household goods and valuables.

How should I care for an antique oak surface?

Maintain the timber by applying traditional beeswax sparingly and buffing with a soft bristle brush to protect the dry finish. Keep the piece away from direct heat sources and rapid humidity fluctuations to prevent the ancient oak panels from splitting.