Antique coffers are plain and simple country pieces of period antique furniture and are one of the earliest forms of furniture on record. The coffer would usually be constructed from planks of solid oak with a hinged lid and be of simple pegged construction or with the old iron clout nails. They will often have a small hinged compartment on the inside for storing candles. Period antique coffers are mainly seen from the 17th and early 18th century and although are very simply made, they are very strong and robust so have stood the test of time. This is why you can see some stunning examples still in good original condition full of lovely charm and character. They were built as dual purpose, storing goods such as bedding or silver and also a surface for sitting on or using as a side table. Domed topped or ark coffers have a dome shaped lid which can be removed and reversed for kneading dough. The mule chest is basically a form of the coffer but with drawers below and often used for the storage of horse equipment. Here on Antiques world we sell some stunning antique chests for sale and you can see our latest selection of coffers here, or look at the few examples we have for sale below.
Coffers & Mule Chests for sale
Below are past examples that we have sold and if we do not have many in stock (as they do sell very fast), why not email us with your requirements as we can keep you informed of any new stock that may be suitable.
Antique Oak Beautifully Carved Inscribed Coffer. Dated 1729 and inscribed with the initials ‘I.H’ this antique oak coffer has a wonderfully carved leaf and floral decoration. It has a lift up lid above finely carved and unusual decorative panels with borders and stands on raised legs. It has a panelled back and sides and is of pegged construction. This unique antique coffer is full of character and would prove an ideal TV stand or storage box for all those ‘must haves’ that you would rather hide away! It has aged to a dark shade of oak with a striking grain.
Early 17th Century Period Oak Six Plank Antique Coffer. It oozes character and has early pin hinges. The front has a simple moulded edge and displays a rustic iron locking plate. The coffer stands on tall feet and is of period pegged construction. At approximately 350 years old this antique coffer is full of charm and character with the expected old repairs in a piece of this period.
18th Century Lovely Period Oak Antique Panelled Coffer dating from around 1790. It would make the ideal bedding box is a lovely warm shade of oak. It has raised fielded panels on both the lid and front along with moulded edges and the oak grain is beautifully figured.
This early country small period antique oak coffer – bedding box, circa 1700, has a moulded panelled lid above moulded panelled front, back and sides. The antique coffer stands on raised legs, is of early pegged construction and is a medium/dark oak.
Rare Antique 17th Century Six Plank Oak Coffer of the classic six plank design and still stands at its original height! Designed originally as a travelling chest and seat this coffer is of a six plank design has been finished with simple decorative edges. It still has the original iron locking plate and hinges. Its key attraction is the fact it still stands at its original height making it quite a rare find as most coffers of this age have suffered damage to their supports and have consequently had to have their feet sawn down.
Period Oak Antique Coffer with Geometric Detailing. Dating from around the period of William III, this striking antique coffer is constructed from oak and displays a wonderful geometric design to the front. The moulded top has the original thumb moulded edge and sits above the geometric design moulded front. With panelled sides and back and sitting on raised feet it is a very attractive solid period piece and stands at the ideal height to place a TV on? It is of the original pegged construction and benefits from later hinges making it a very usable storage solution.
Antique Coffer of unusual small proportions with simple carved front with iron locking plate.
Beautifully Figured Period Oak Coffer Chest with a key and working lock along with a charming iron locking plate.
Superb Quality Large Antique Georgian Lancashire Chest. This antique Georgian Lancashire chest dates from around 1770 and is constructed from the finest quality imported mahogany timbers that are no longer available to today’s craftsmen. It has a low raised shaped back above a beautifully figured hinged top that opens to reveal a clean interior with the original oak base boards. The front is attractively figured and displays three over two faux drawers above four working drawers, all with moulded edges, oak linings (working drawers only!) and the original brass swan neck handles. The drawers are flanked by reeded columns with decorative inlaid banding. The piece stands on ogee bracket feet and has the original oak back boards. This substantial antique chest oozes quality, its weight being notable due to the quality of timbers used.
Related Reviews
- Antique Chest of Drawers to Beverley, East Yorkshire, Hello James,A rather belated thank you for the beautiful Victorian chest of drawers.We are delighted with the chest. Your excellent service and the very efficientand pleasant delivery , both achieved in these very strange times are much appreciated.Best Wishes, and many thanks ,Ann Benson
- Martin Howell,
We bought a beautiful, and wonderfully restored chest of drawers in summer 2019. Not the cheapest by any means but a) you get what you pay for and b) the quality of the furniture exceeded already high expectations. Delivery was reasonably priced and exactly as promised - with very careful help to get the chest into the house and up to a first floor bedroom. Overall, highly recommended.
- Lindsay,
Good morning James,We have taken delivery this morning of the chest and are delighted with it. Thankyou and happy to buy from you again.Kind regards,Lindsay