Featured URGENT: Is this 17th century oak chest genuine?

Hello

I live in England and so does my seller.

Sellers description;
A good 17th Century Oak Coffer of good colour and patina with deeply carved front and ends. the coffer is in very original condition with original hinges and candle box to the interior. The top is panelled with the initials S. H carved to the front.

Height:
64 mm
Width:
127 mm
Depth:
57 mm

Is it genuine?

Thanks

 

From the images shown, it sure looks like it has plenty of age to it, but could I swear it's from the 1600's, I just can't....I'm not that positive!!! I'd bet at least in the 1700's though!!!!!

 

I see snipe hinges; those are old school. Exactly how old I haven't an earthly, but it's old.

 

Hello Dhruv... You mentioned in your last article that you have bought the best reference on early oak furniture..this is one of the best relative to 16th , 17th century oak.by Victor Chinery . At this stage have you purchased any of the items you have previously listed and requested details on this site..As you are within a country of relatively early history and of also same history of furniture making you are at an envious advantage to many of us in the colonies and afar.
Have you handled any of these items personally or are you previewing same in the internet with pictures ????? this is a lazy way of learning ( please accept this as being constructive to your personal learning curve )
You have the access to many specialists in your field of collecting and should accept the level of expertise and learn from the... question them on their attributions... WHY?? show me !.. let me feel... explain etc ..in other words let them teach you..
Your previous entries of items have in my opinion had no reason to question the descriptions provided by your prospective vendors....it appears that the only question in regard to these items would have been ..."PRICES" .....of course you will pay more for quality, provenance , period, style and so on....that is a decision you should be able to make .
LAPADA and Antiques associations always have premium prices on their items but also offer a guarantee on all they sell as to title , description etc etc. so accept that.
Now this rant ......Get out there , start feeling the items with your eyes CLOSED....get the feel of period timber used... familiarise yourself on the construction of the items. feel different timber finishes, be aware what materials were available within the time frame of item....timbers used and available in that period. (and no ! shellac was not used in the 16th or 17th century)
Now in response to you question above regarding the oak chest....it is good .....construction, style, hardware, patina, carving is contemporary and good, wear in correct places, and style dates it to within the last quarter of the 17th century.
All the above is meant to motivate your learning curve, familiarise yourself with appropriate information as your aid....ASK as many questions as possible until you are satisfied . Most dealers are willing to pass on their knowledge it is usually the fact that only few ask !!
And yes .....i do collect 17th c furniture ..

 

I concur with you strongly, I have been meaning to get out there and get my hands on furniture in the field. There are old manor houses not far from me dating back to the medieval period and a bit later to the 17th century which contain many old furniture. My plan to visit them still stands strong, I have already been before but I will go again to study the furniture. I will start by going to one every weekend to one of these places and ask the staff questions about the furniture and analyse it my self. I have already made a list of questions I should consider when looking at furniture, thanks to that book by Victor Chinery.

Thank you for your input it's going to help

 

I have purchased the chest I have posted right here, it's coming today

 

Consider yourself very lucky to be within an environment where quality and quantities of furniture of differing periods are available...I am fairly limited in what is available out here ...still a young country and dependent on what is imported from UK, which is dictated by demand. Trouble is that dealers and importers don't meet our collecting requirements...limited supply and too expensive .
Hope you do well in your searches, you may take a loss at times .....part of the learning process ...we have all made the occasional mistake ....learn from that.. now recover the cost of your book on your next purchase . Good luck ,

 

fantastic ...only treatment required in a good wax....nothing else..love it

 

I've got it now. Yes, I will be applying bee wax on it once a year. Apparently, a child owed this chest before me, so they had to take the toys out, it must be very strong then!

 

Wonderful, congratulations.

Perfect advice, pewter.
And good to see you posting again, I've missed you.

 

many thanks AJ....health and old age.. and good to be back with a good interactive gang

 

Well done Dhruv

Fides is a good UK brand of wax ..no smudge easy to polish and just needs a buff every now and then.....2 or 3 pieces of old pewter will look good on the top......somewhat biased there !!

 

I very much do consider myself lucky that I live in Europe and have an interest in history. Yes I shall not be discouraged by any mistakes and will learn from them