ANTIQUE OAK COFFERS

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kernowuk March 2 2022 ANTIQUE OAK
COFFERS Antique oak coffers were often locally
made, of simple construction, but of huge
importance to their owners. Brilliant pieces of
storage furniture throughout the house, we take a
look at them in this article. A ntique coffers
were often constructed using the hardwood, oak
(Latin name Quercus). Being the principal
timber of Britain, it was readily available in
large quantities and prized for it's robust
qualities. English vernacular furniture was often
constructed using oak, and was designed based on
local needs and styles. Before modern farming
took over, oak forests covered much of England.
The largest oak forests were cut down in the 18th
Century to build for the Royal Navy 1. Oak is
sturdy and reliable, which makes it ideal for the
original use of antique oak coffers as storage
furniture.
Some coffers would be heavily carved and
decorated. Some coffers would be heavily carved
and decorated.
Geometric carvings were popular.
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In the first half of the 17th century, people
lived simply and personal possessions were few
and far between. What possessions they did own,
were important to their owners and they wanted to
look after them. This is where coffers came in.
Local joiners were commissioned to make various
pieces of storage furniture. They were general
purpose items, as well as being used for
storage, some would be used for seating and
occasionally for sleeping on. It would be common
for each adult to have their own coffer, and
sometimes children would be lucky enough to have
their own. Wealthy nobles would eventually own
hundreds upon hundreds of chests, as shown by
wills and death-rolls 2. A coffer was ' a chest
of importance' 3.
One common example, was the six board or six
plank coffer. They were constructed simply. This
common household chest was made using six flat
planks. Five of the boards are used to construct
the end, sides and bottom, and the last plank is
used to make the lid. The end board is often
longer to raise the coffer off the ground. Often
these are reinforced on the corner joints by
using metal straps. The simplicity of this design
led to it remaining in common use from the 9th
century into the 17th century. Carvings or
paintings were used to decorate the chests but
they were also beautiful when left fairly simple
and undecorated. Perhaps our favourite thing
about Antique Coffers is the value for money when
owning a very old, antique piece of furniture.
There aren't many pieces of furniture that you
could own that may date back from the 17th
Century, that could be bought for a few hundred
pounds. Add to that the fact that they are
hugely practical and functional. The Victorians
often carved into plain 17th century coffers to
make them more elaborate pieces of furniture in
their homes, and you can also find ebonised
coffers. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the
mule chest with two drawers became more popular.
The drawers were handy for shoes and small items
of clothing, while the rest could be used for
blankets, linens, or clothes.
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Antique Oak Panelled Mule Chest
Antique Oak Panelled Mule Chest
Antique Solid Oak Mule Chest
Antique Solid Oak Mule Chest They are multi-use
pieces of furniture, as well as being used as
blanket boxes in the bedroom, they are often
used as toy storage in children's bedrooms, or
playrooms. For those wishing to have something
different in their living spaces, they make
unusual but practical coffee tables , TV stands
and foot rests in living rooms. Who wouldn't want
to have historic furniture to admire while they
relax with a cup of earl grey or a steaming hot
coffee? The places they may have been, what
ports have they landed in, and who may have used
them? All these questions are worth pondering
over on a wet Sunday afternoon! One thing you can
be sure of, you won't regret owning such a
beautifully made multi purpose piece of
history. K ernow Furniture - online store based
in Cornwall for vintage, retro antique
furniture, gifts home accessories and q uirky
gifts. We specialise in good quality 19th and
20th century furniture have 100s of items for
your home and garden in stock now. We regularly
stock Ercol, G Plan, Ladderax, mid century, arts
crafts, antique pine, mahogany, solid oak, good
quality vintage antique furniture. We love
vintage chairs
antique
furniture