Summary:
• Item: Mule Chest
• Provenance England, UK
• Circa: 1700 – 1720
• Period: William III – George I
• Wood: Solid oak
• Twin plank moulded top
• Geometric moulded panels
• Single working moulded drawer
• Internal candle box & lid
• Peg construction
• Old replacement steel strap hinges
• Turned drawer knobs & brass escutcheons
• Working lock to lid and drawer (with keys)
• Original top, sides, drawer linings, back & bottom
• Lovely colour and patination
• Ideal for storing bedding & clothes
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day returns policy
Description:
Here is a fine quality antique English early 18th century oak mule chest, with geometric moulding, displaying a lovely colour, circa 1700 – 1720, in excellent condition. This chest features a lovely two-plank moulded hinged top, with decorative applied vertical and horizontal geometric moulding to the three panels to the front, with a single working drawer below. The drawer front is decorated with applied geometric moulding and features two turned knobs, the original key escutcheon, a working steel lever lock and key. Constructed with the original drawer linings and bottom, the drawer runs on a primitive central drawer runner bar, along with a steel working lever lock (with working key).
The hinged top features old replacement sturdy steel strap hinges. The interior is clean, dry and the chest is practical and functional. The chest also boasts a working lock (with working key) to the main storage area and retains its original candle box with lid. Good quality wide twin inset oak side panels adorn the sides of the chest; the back retains the original rough-hewn oak backboards. The drawer linings and bottoms are constructed of solid, as are the wide floorboards in the base of the chest. The chest has been made using the pegged construction method; this is evident around the body of the frame. The chest terminates on its original length block stiles (feet).
A type of furniture like this would have primarily been used for storing bedding and clothes. In the eighteenth century, built-in wardrobes did not exist! A mule chest was often the only item of furniture that a family owned. It is believed that such chests were called “mule chests” because slippers, called mules in the 17th and 18th century, were kept in the drawers of the chest. Blankets and bedding were stored in the larger compartment above.
This blanket box with drawers boasts a rich warm oak colour. As it retains the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.
This item would look great in a variety of rooms from the hallway, to the living room or bedroom, not only as an ornamental piece but also a useful storage chest.
Condition Report:
Here is a fine quality antique English early 18th century oak mule chest, with geometric moulding, displaying a lovely colour, circa 1700 – 1720, in excellent condition. The chest has been cleaned and wax-polished by hand in our workshop. Nominal old marks to the top, leading edges, tops, sides and front (see photos) but nothing significant considering the age of the item. Such old use marks are inevitable and perfectly acceptable due to its age and use it would have received. The interior is clean, dry, and usable. The steel strap hinges to the lid are very old replacements. We believe the drawer knobs and escutcheons to the drawers are original. The chest includes working steel lever locks (with working key) to the main storage area and drawer. The chest stands on its original stiles (feet). The chest is well constructed, solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
Height = 75.8cm or 29⅞” or 2ft 5⅞”
Width (Lid) = 117cm or 46” or 3ft 10”
Depth (Lid) = 55cm or 21⅝” or 2ft 9⅝”
Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.
Ref. 55855