This is a lovely antique English Georgian blanket chest, constructed from solid elm, boasting a stunning grain configuration, rich colour and patination, ideal as a chest or coffee table, circa 1830, in excellent original condition.

Summary:

• Item: Georgian blanket chest
• Circa: 1830
• Provenance: England, UK
• Period: Late Georgian
• Wood: Solid Elm
• Width: 88.5cm / 34⅞” / 2ft 10⅞”
• Provincial / rustic design
• Single-plank top
• Cleated moulding
• Hand-dovetail joints
• Decorative brass side handles
• Original brass key escutcheon
• Original working steel lock (with key)
• Traditional hand-dovetail construction
• Ideal as a storage chest / coffee table
• Significant storage space
• Lovely original finish
• Stunning grain configuration
• Excellent original condition
• Free delivery to England, Wales & Southern Scotland*
• 14-day Free UK returns

Description:

This is a lovely antique English Georgian blanket chest, constructed from solid elm, boasting a stunning grain configuration, rich colour and patination, ideal as a chest or coffee table, circa 1830, in excellent original condition.  The Georgian blanket chest has been constructed with a stunning single-plank top, with a cleated moulding, above single plank sides, front and back united by lovely hand-dovetail joints.  Featuring decorative brass side handles, a brass key escutcheon, the elm chest retains the original steel lever lock (with key).  The lid opens on its original iron strap hinges and the lid is secured by brass chains when open.  The interior is clean, dry, practical and usable.  The back of the chest retains its original panels along with the original pine floorboards.  The Georgian blanket chest has been cleaned and French polished by hand, in our workshop, to a professional standard, therefore the colour and patination are of an excellent standard.  This storage chest would look great in a variety of rooms, as a decorative piece in the hallway, to the living room or bedroom as a TV stand, or ottoman or blanket box at the foot of the bed etc.  This beautiful Georgian blanket chest boasts a warm rustic rich-brown colour. As it boasts 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.

History of the Blanket Box / Chest:

The design of the blanket chest originated from the earlier 16^th and 17^th century English oak sword chests and coffers.  Blanket chests were very popular as they provided a multitude of uses around the home from storing linen in the bedroom, clothing or kitchen utensils or other household items.  Vernacular (country) chests / boxes were commonly made from oak or elm, as this source of timber was then plentiful in supply.  The grain configuration displayed by elm is quite lovely, with all the swirling patterns in the grain.  Over the years, drawers were added to the basic form, increasing the height, and gradually a different piece of furniture evolved called the mule chest and then what we know as the modern chest of drawers, with multiple graduated banks of drawers. Nowadays, they are popular as coffee tables in the living room, because antique coffee tables never existed.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trunk_(luggage)

Source: https://www.antiquetalk.com/index.php/antique-talk/27-blanket-chests

Source: https://wwch.org/new/Technique/Blankchest.htm#:~:text=Blanket%20chests%20were%20very%20popular,%22mules%22%20by%20the%20colonists.

Dimensions:

Height = 35cm / 13¾” / 1ft 1¾”
Width (Top) = 88.5cm / 34⅞” / 2ft 10⅞”
Depth = 50cm / 19⅝” / 1ft 7”

Condition Report:

This is a lovely antique English Georgian blanket chest, boasting a stunning grain configuration, rich colour and patination, ideal as a chest or coffee table, circa 1830, in excellent original condition.  Owing to its rustic / provincial provenance, there are old use marks visible to the top, leading edges and bowing to the front panel (please see photos); all of which adds to the character, age and appeal of this trunk.  Minor evidence of historical woodworm (which was common in nearly all elm furniture of this period).  The elm chest has therefore been thoroughly treated prior to polishing for wood worm.  The Georgian blanket chest has been cleaned and French polished by hand, in our workshop, to a professional standard.  The interior is clean dry and useable. The Georgian blanket chest also features a working brass lock and working key. The chest features decorative brass side handles and retains its original lid, sides and back and stands on its original pine floor boards.  The Georgian blanket chest is solid in joint; it does not wobble on the floor and is ready to use.

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. 110890