Original and Unusual Large 17th Century Oak Chest of Drawers c. 1660

With a fabulous colour and naturally deep and rich patination,

this is an original oak chest made in around 1660 and retaining all of its original

timbers. The drawers open and close

smoothly on rebated side runners and the drawer fronts are beautifully detailed

with hand carved geometric mouldings.

The drawers are graduated to comprise two short over one deeper long

drawer, and then one slender long drawer over a very deep long drawer. All with original solid oak linings in

excellent clean and usable condition with substantial dovetailed joints. The stile feet and backboards are original

also and the chest has iron escutcheons fixed with rivets and early locks with

working key. The heavy brass drop

handles with snaped fastenings are old but not original, although they are

right for period and sit in the original holes.

The chest is unusual because it has a secret compartment above

the top two drawers. Three huge hand

hewn timbers form the top and this is the original. It rises on very early and blacksmith forged

hinges to reveal a shallow oak compartment below. This compartment with a cushion moulded front

and matching iron escutcheon.

At the time that this chest was made there were no banks or

safes or places you could deposit your valuables and much early furniture was

made with secret compartments and drawers where such things could be hidden

from view. There are a great number of

ingenious mechanisms but this is the first time I have found such a secret compartment

in a chest of drawers.

The chest was made by hand.

There are two braces which have been added during the 19^th

century below the top – just belt and braces to add support to the huge oak

boards and not visible except when the top is raised.

With original pegged joints and the timbers with hand held

adze marks to the inner faces and back boards.

A really handsome early chest of drawers with a fantastic

colour and great patination and in lovely condition throughout. Completely usable and great for hiding the

family jewels!