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
Antique Oak Coffer
Here are a few examples we have previously sold, like this Beautifully Carved Inscribed antique Oak Coffer. Dated 1729 and inscribed with the initials ‘I.H’, this 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 is a really early example called a 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. It 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.
This 18th Century Period Oak Coffer, would make the ideal bedding box and 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 Rare 17th Century 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.
This Coffer has unusual Geometric Detailing. It dates from the period of William III and 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.
This example has a key and working lock along with a charming iron locking plate.
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
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John,
Hi James Just to let you know , the Chest of Drawers crossed the Irish Sea in A near Hurricane , but thanks to your carefull packaging , it arrived in Cork without a scratch , and fully intact , so we are most grateful for your sending it so well wrapped . It is gorgeous , slightly darker then your images , but really lovely , and resonates age , and quality . We are really pleased with it . The shippers were excellent , and I would use them again . Many thanks for all your help , and we may be back to you in 2016 . A very happy Christmas . Regards John
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Richard,
Hi James, As you promised the military chest arrived early this morning. Unfortunately, the guys had to carry the chest up 4 flights of stairs as the the lift was out of order due to a flood in the block yesterday. Please pass to my thanks. Re the military chest, it is a lovely honest piece of furniture that I will enjoy for many years to come. Thank you and I shall certainly recommend your services. Regards, Richard
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Chest On Chest to Cambridgeshire,
Happy customer, item delivered promptly and goods as described. Marion
4 thoughts
i have a folding wooden luggage rack it seems to be oak stamped waring and gillows established 1695 lancaster factory stamed S 10058 iv only seen the single one of these not the doubles /folding as in the legs open out to form a longer rack can you givr me a aprox value please
Hi
Thank you for your email, for advice and valuations of antiques
Please see
https://antiquesworld.co.uk/blog/valuing-antiques/
Kind regards
James
i have a folding wooden luggage rack it seems to be oak stamped waring and gillows established 1695 lancaster factory stamed S 10058 iv only seen the single one of these not the doubles /folding as in the legs open out to form a longer rack can you givr me a aprox value please
Hi
Thank you for your email, for advice and valuations of antiques
Please see
https://antiquesworld.co.uk/blog/valuing-antiques/
Kind regards
James