Antique English 17th Century Charles II Oak Carved Bible Box / Writing / Trunk / Small Storage Chest (Circa 1680)

Summary:

• Item: Oak Bible Box
• Circa: 1680
• Period: Charles II
• Provenance: England, UK
• Wood: Solid oak
• Width: 78.5cm / 30⅞” / 2ft 6⅞”
• Boarded construction
• Original scroll & lunette carvings
• Twin-plank top
• Victorian iron strap hinges
• Working lock & iron plate & clasp (with key)
• Original interior
• Excellent colour & patination
• Good condition
• Free delivery to England, Wales & Southern Scotland*
• 14-day free UK returns

Description:

This is a fine quality antique English late 17^th century oak bible box, with a boarded construction, boasting a lovely colour and patination, with original scroll carvings to the front and side panels, circa 1680, in good condition.  The oak storage box, which is of generous proportions, comprises a twin-plank oak top, finished with cleated ends, secured by Victorian iron strap hinges to the box.  The carved box incorporates an iron plate and locking clasp, with a restored internal working lock, which comes with a working key.  The front of the oak bible box is profusely carved with very good quality original scroll carvings interspersed with smaller floral carvings and large lunette carvings on the sides, finished on a punch work background.

Inside, the interior is clean, dry and practical and usable. The interior also retains its original floorboards and backboards.  The oak bible box sits on a twin-plank oak base, with a primitive moulded plinth.  The back of the box retains its original panels along with the original floor.

Such oak storage boxes were originally used for storing a variety of items such as holding sewing materials, chessmen, wringing materials, bibles, books, jewels or for carrying valuables such as chalices.  They were primitively constructed using nailed boards; however, they have stood the passage of time, which is a testament to the quality of the materials and construction methods.  Box makers were an incorporation of the Joyners’ Company in London, not the Carpenters’; a fact which may explain the high quality of carvings to be found on some boxes and boarded chests (source: Oak Furniture – The British Tradition, Victor Chinnery).

This oak bible box would look great in a variety of rooms from the hallway, to the office or bedroom, for storing valuable items, such as books, paperwork or jewellery.   Asides from use a storage box, it could be used as a small TV stand, small coffee table, ottoman, blanket box etc.

As this oak bible box boasts the original patination, it displays a stunning colour, which can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique English late 17^th century oak bible box, with a boarded construction, boasting a lovely colour and patination, with original scroll & lunette carvings to the front and side panels, circa 1680, in good condition.  Nominal old use marks to the top, external sides and leading edges, but nothing significant considering the age of the item (see photos).  Shrinkage and old splits visible to the top and sides (common in large oak planks), though the box is solid in joint.  The carvings on the front of the box are original. The interior is clean, dry, and usable.  We believe the iron strap hinges are old Victorian replacement hinges – they are strong and in good working order.  The box retains its original lid, floor, sides and back.  The oak bible box incorporates an iron plate and locking clasp, with a later working lock and key. The oak chest boasts its original patination and stunning colour to the exterior.  This 17^th century box is solid in joint and is ready to use.

Dimensions:

Height = 20cm / 8”
Width (Lid) = 78.5cm / 30⅞” / 2ft 6⅞”
Depth = 48cm / 18⅞” / 1ft 6⅞”

Terms & Conditions:

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Ref. 106954