What did people store in an oak coffer?

Households used these heavy chests to keep valuable woollen blankets, fine linen sheets, silver and important legal documents safe from damp and thieves. Because houses lacked built-in wardrobes, the coffer served as the primary portable wardrobe for a family's most cherished portable possessions.

How do I date an old oak coffer?

Examine the construction marks, joint types and the style of the hand-carving on the front panels. Early pieces rely entirely on pegged mortise and tenon joinery and hand-rived boards. Hardware such as forged iron strap hinges and the absence of circular saw marks also point towards earlier sixteenth or seventeenth-century production dates.

Where should I place a coffer at home?

These robust pieces function well at the foot of a bed, beneath a hallway window or serving as a low coffee table in a living room. Their flat lids provide a sturdy surface for lamps, books or decorative objects. Keep them away from direct heat sources and radiators to prevent the dry oak boards from splitting or warping over time.

What is the difference between a coffer and a chest?

The terms are often used interchangeably, though a coffer traditionally denotes a heavy box with a domed or flat lid intended for valuables and travel. Chests can sometimes refer strictly to bedroom storage furniture. In historical terminology, a coffer often implies a higher grade of construction and ornamentation meant for display in the main rooms of a house.