Small English Georgian Style Burr Oak Mule Chest Blanket Box Trunk Coffer (Circa 1980)

Summary:

• Item: Small Mule Chest
• Provenance England, UK
• Style: Georgian
• Circa: 1980
• Wood: Solid Burr Oak
• Single plank rustic top
• Two front panels
• Two lower scribe moulded drawers
• Joined construction
• Original steel butterfly hinges
• Faux lock with foliate escutcheon
• Decorative brass escutcheon to front
• Brass swan neck handles & shaped escutcheons
• Fine quality burr oak timbers
• Stunning grain configuration
• Well-constructed to reflect primitive / rustic design
• Useful small storage chest
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day returns policy

Description:

Here is a superb quality English burr oak mule chest / blanket box, constructed in the Georgian style from exceptionally fine quality solid burr oak timbers, with a stunning grain configuration, with small proportions, circa 1980, in excellent original condition. The chest has been designed to reflect the primitive / rustic design of provincial 18th century piece of furniture, with the undulating top, construction method and depth and finish to the timber. This chest boasts an undulating single-plank hinged top, with two square inset panels to the front and two drawers below. The drawers are decorated with scribe moulded fronts, which incorporate brass swan neck handles and shaped escutcheons. Below the lid is a faux lock, with a decorative brass foliate escutcheon. The hinged top features the original steel butterfly hinges. The interior is clean, dry and the small trunk is useful for storing small items such as magazines in the living room, or small items in the bedroom. Inset oak side panels adorn the sides of the chest; the back retains the original rough-hewn oak backboards. The drawer linings, drawer bottoms and floor boards are constructed of solid oak. The floor boards inside the chest have been lined with newspaper at some point in its life. The chest is raised on good quality and sturdy bracket feet.

18th century and larger mule chests would have originally 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 warm golden 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 superb quality English burr oak mule chest / blanket box, constructed in the Georgian style from exceptionally fine quality solid burr oak timbers, with a stunning grain configuration, with small proportions, circa 1980, in excellent original condition. The chest has been designed to reflect the primitive / rustic design of provincial 18th century piece of furniture, with the undulating top (see photos), construction method and depth and finish to the timber. There are nominal old marks to the top, leading edges, tops, sides and front (see photos) but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The interior is clean, dry, and usable; evidence of the old newspaper lining remains. The steel but hinges are in good working condition. The brass swan neck handles and escutcheons to the two drawers are all original, as well as the decorative faux lock and key escutcheon. The chest stands on its original bracket. The chest is well constructed, solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions:

Height = 51.2cm or 20⅛” or 1ft 8⅛”
Width (Lid) = 65.5cm or 25¾” or 2ft 1¾”
Depth (Lid) = 30.4cm or 12” or 1ft

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Ref. 58569