Superb 17th Century Marriage Chest or Coffer with Marquetry Dated 1658

Rare and exceptional, with all original foliate marquetry and original hardware and with no later timbers, this beautiful large marriage chest has been in the same family for generations and has always been lovingly cared for.
The coffer has a number of finer quality details including the well shaped and channel carved stiles and muntins which separate the panels on the front and sides and match the panels on the lid.

The marquetry is made of ebony, holly, applewood and walnut – the inlay process is extremely time consuming and an expensive detail to have added to any furniture of this mid 17th Century period. Everything had to be carved with hand held tools and it took many years of experience, knowledge and skill to carefully cut the pattern into the fronts of each fielded panel and then cut each tiny piece of exotic timber and shape it to fit the pattern before being inlaid. The inlays were held in a candle flame to smoke the edges and add a 3D depth to the pattern.

Here there are five intricate and exuberant marquetry panels – four to the front of the coffer and one to the centre of the lid. All original.

The far left fielded panel of the lid has been inlaid with the Initials I.W. and the date A.D. 1658. The far right hand panel of the lid has been inlaid with the initials R.M.

I.W married R.M in 1658 and this marriage chest was made to commemorate their union and no expense was spared. Often the first letter indicates the surname and so perhaps their first names were William and Mary. In the 1700s, the names William, James and Thomas were given to about half of all baby boys and Anne, Elizabeth and Mary to about half of all baby girls.

The colours of the marquetry 350 years ago would have been far brighter, almost garish by modern standards, but the inlays have now mellowed to golden, tan and plum colours with ebony flourishes.

The lid rises smoothly and closes properly on original hinges. The condition is excellent throughout with no repairs or significant losses. There are some old shrinkage cracks in the lid panels but these are stable and not going anywhere. I cannot find any evidence of worm and there are no later elements. The lidded candle box is lovely and the chest retains its original hinges and hand forged and riveted iron lock, hasp and iron escutcheon.

This coffer has a solid oak carcase with deeply fielded panelled sides and original tenon and pegged joints. It is heavy and robust and can store a large amount. It would work very well alongside modern or antique furniture and could be used as a linen store, or at the end of a bed or in a hallway.

A coffer of this age and of a similar design was offered by Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers recently and sold for £2,800 inclusive of commission despite later hinges, repairs, later carving, undated and with missing elements. See lot 1438 of the sale of 14.4.26

To have the marquetry on the top and front of the coffer would have made this a very expensive and bespoke commission by a wealthy couple who wanted their names to be remembered through this wonderful and historic piece of early English furniture.

A really special and rare piece with a superb natural colour, deep patination and in exceptional condition for age.