Antique Mule Chests were a form of Coffer, primitively built using old clout nails or wooden pegs and having a hinged lid. The difference between them, is they have two or three drawers at the bottom of the wooden box due to the impracticality of difficult to reach items stored at the bottom of the coffer. Antique Mule Chests were most popular in the early to mid 17th Century in Oak and were often used to store clothes, linens, harness equipment or valuables and all had a large key with lock, although it is quite unusual to find them still with their original key. These early pieces of period furniture always have a lovely charm about them from years of use and a build up of wax giving them a glowing patina. The best examples always have the original pin hinges, along with oak base boards and candle box with lift up lid in the interior. They will stand on tall raised feet called ‘stiles’ and have a panelled or carved front. Earlier examples will have a raised, fielded panel with Mahogany cross banded edging. Some have the dates carved onto the top rail with two initials, this was called a ‘marriage chest’. Have a look below at our lovely examples available for sale.
Coffers & Mule Chests for sale
Below are a few examples of previously sold Mule chests but if any particular style looks of interest please let us know as we do get many similar designs in stock and we can try to locate something similar.
Full Of Beautiful Charm And Character And With A Lovely Country Feel, This Delightful Mule Chest Dates from around 1740. It has a hinged moulded lid above a beautifully fielded panelled front with moulded edges and two smaller lower drawers with brass pear drop handles. The sides and back are panelled and this charming piece stands on raised feet and is of pegged construction.
Related Reviews
- Chest On Chest to Cambridgeshire,
Happy customer, item delivered promptly and goods as described.Marion
- Jon,
Hello James – just to let you know we are absolutely delighted with the chest of drawers. In fact, we could not be more pleased. Thank you. (In addition, your couriers were bang on time and very polite) many thanks and best regards Jon
- 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