Summary:
• Item: Chest / Cassone
• Circa: 1880
• Provenance: Italy
• Wood: Beech
• Large proportions (5ft 2⅝” wide)
• Egg-and-dart moulded lid
• Profusely carved frame, lid & body
• Intricate carved front panels, with foliate, scroll, heart, griffin & face detail
• Gadroon carved plinth
• Carved lion’s paw feet
• Joined panelled design
• Original steel hinges
• Brass-foliate key escutcheon
• Working lock & key
• Original lid, sides, back & bottom
• Stunning patination &colour
• Free delivery to England, Wales & Southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns
Description:
This is good quality antique Italian renaissance style carved beech cassone or marriage chest, with a finely carved front, late 19th century, circa 1880, in excellent overall condition. The chest is constructed with an egg-and-dart moulded top, with a joined panel section below. The top, which features a nice over-hang, is constructed in 3 parts, with the centre comprising the lid. The lid retains its original steel hinges and is supported by a brass chain stay when open. The interior is clean, dry, practical and usable. The interior retains its original floorboards. The cassone features a working steel lever lock, with working key to the front of the coffer, which allows you to lock the lid if necessary. The front of the chest is decorated with four moulded shaped panels, with two narrow outer panels, exhibiting a face and foliate scrollwork. The two larger centre panels boast further foliate scrollwork, as well as a central heart, flanked by griffins. The central heart carving to the left-hand panel features six cabochons, while the heart to the right-hand panel displays a fleur-de-lis. Below, the chest rests on a gadroon moulded plinth, supported on decorative carved lion’s paw feet. The back of the coffer retains its original plain panels along with the original floor.
This item would look great in a variety of rooms from the hallway, to the living room or bedroom as an ottoman at the foot of the bed.
This beautiful piece boasts a rich dark red-and-brown oxblood colour. As it boasts the original wax polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.
Condition Report:
This is good quality antique Italian renaissance style carved beech cassone or marriage chest, with a finely carved front, late 19th century, circa 1890, in excellent overall condition.
This chest is in excellent overall condition. Nominal old marks and shakes to the timber to the top and leading edges, 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 lid retains its original steel hinges. The chest incorporates a steel lever working lock and key, which allows you to lock the lid if necessary. The chest is solid in joint; it does not wobble on the floor and is ready to use. Considering the age of the chest, it is in good condition.
Dimensions:
Height = 55.5cm or 21⅞” or 1ft 9⅞”
External Width (lid) = 159.1cm or 62⅝” or 5ft 2⅝”
External Depth (lid) = 53cm or 20⅞” or 1ft 8⅞”
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. 58226