Antique Oak Furniture can range from a pale limed oak, light golden or to very dark in shade. Oak is a hard solid wood, it is very versatile and durable so was favourable with cabinet makers. Oak was one of the first timbers to be used in antique furniture construction in Britain as it was locally sourced, so is seen on many early primitive pieces. It was widely used throughout the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods in furniture. Early Oak used before the mid 17th century was often solid, dense and very dark or plain brown in colour whereas 18th century oak seems to be lighter in shade with yellow rays more visible in the grain. Oak was also used in drawer linings to carcasses as it was such a solid and durable timber.
17th Century Antique Oak Furniture
Early Oak was very primitive; examples can include coffers, mule chests and benches along with refectory tables. They usually come with a charming country house feel and can still be in remarkable condition considering that these antiques are is over three hundred years old. This example of antique Oak furniture is dated 1659 and is a marriage chest with the initials BW and AW. This wonderful county oak coffer has beautiful charm and character along with early pegged construction. It has a moulded lid above a beautifully carved front along with unusual arched panels. The chest stands on raised feet, has panelled sides and back.
This Rare 17th Century Oak Small Antique Spice Cupboard has a fielded panelled cupboard door and the interior has several small fitted drawers with brass handles.
18th Century Antique Oak Furniture
Georgian antique Oak furniture was slightly more refined with decoration and inlay being introduced. Furniture was no longer just a useful object but also a decorative item to look at. This magnificent Georgian large period Oak Country Lancashire antique chest dates from around 1770 and is perfect example of a true quality piece of antique furniture. With a moulded lift up lid and the original locking brass brackets, the interior is oak lined with two small drawers candle box. The front comprises of five faux drawers and four working oak lined drawers all of which are beautifully cross banded inlay in mahogany and still retaining the original brass swan neck handles and key escutcheons. The sides have beautiful quarter mahogany columns and it stands on ogee bracket feet and maintains the original backboards. The magnificent chest provides ample storage as well as being a truly exquisite piece to be appreciative of.
19th Century Oak Furniture
Victorian Furniture was often made from Oak with examples copying old designs. This rare small solid ‘Burr’ Pollard Oak antique chest of drawers dates from the late Victorian period but using what looks to be earlier Georgian solid Burr pollard oak timber. This chest is of very nice small proportions. The top is beautifully figured with a rectangular moulded top sitting above eight oak lined drawers, again beautifully figured, with quality solid brass decorative handles. The level of skill, craftsmanship and attention to detail is evident through-out this piece from the small shaped bracket feet, beautifully figured side panels and even the back boards are constructed in solid Burr pollard oak timbers.
The later 19th Century leaned more towards carving in their decoration like this large Victorian Oak open antique bookcase with Lion head carvings. It has a figured top sitting above a decoratively carved edge, with scrolls, birds, and central urn that would have been carefully hand carved by a skilled craftsman of the Victorian period. The top is finished with two detailed carved lion heads, sitting above reeded, moulded sides. This antique bookcase has four adjustable shelves with central divide and it stands on a moulded plinth, with turned bun feet and benefits from the original oak back boards.
In the Early 20th Century cabinet makers started a new movement called Arts and Crafts. This is when they built antique furniture in a traditional manner using locally sourced timbers so Oak was at the height of fashion. This high quality set of six Arts and Crafts golden antique dining chairs have been constructed from the finest quality solid Oak. They have unusual shaped carved high backs and stand on tapering front legs with a cross stretcher for added stability. The seats have been newly upholstered in a neutral linen fabric so would fit beautifully into most households. It is clear to see that these wonderful chairs are the work of a true craftsman and they posses beautiful charm and character. These would compliment and sit around a large Oak dining table. this quality example has a spectacular rope twist edge above a beautifully figured frieze and the frieze is continued on the additional leaves which shows a true sign of quality. This impressive antique table has four carved legs with ball and claw feet and would comfortably seat six to eight dinner guests.
