What did people store in a jacobean blanket chest?

Households utilised these deep chests primarily for heavy woollen blankets, household linens, and valuable garments that needed protection from damp and pests. They also served as secure storage for documents, silver, and other portable possessions before the widespread adoption of specialised cabinets.

How do I spot a seventeenth century piece?

Original period pieces display traditional joinery methods such as pegged mortise and tenon joints, hand-riven oak boards, and forged iron hardware. Examining the underside and interior reveals tool marks and timber shrinkage consistent with centuries of age rather than machine production.

How do I care for old oak furniture?

Keep these timber chests away from direct heat sources and drastic humidity swings to prevent the dry oak from splitting or warping. Applying a traditional beeswax polish occasionally helps nourish the wood surface and maintain a soft natural sheen.