An early oak and pine sword chest with carved face

Jan & John Maggs

Antiques and Art

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An unusual coffer in several respects, found near Tunbridge Wells. While we’ve had a few pine chests among the many oak examples we’ve owned, this is our first example of such a bold mixture of hard and soft woods.

The face and back are both made of oak. The back is, as is usual, left plain, while the face is carved boldly, though a bit crudely, with three large demilunes supporting a pair of small carved central shells. The shells and the “enhanced” chip carving applied to the ends of the face are particularly appealing, and the shell motif appears again in the applied carved medallion, in which the shells have been expanded into a full circle. The wide pine ends have nicely shaped sawn cutouts to create legs. The fronts of these extend beyond the face of the coffer. A narrow gouge-decorated moulding is attached to the bottom of the face.

Because of its unusual composition, we’ve studied the piece in detail for proof that oak and pine have always been together. The construction is unquestionably appropriate, and the rose-head nails that secure sides and floor are right. While the original hinges have broken and been replaced by butts, the original locations are clear on both the back of the coffer and the lid, and they line up perfectly.

Cabinetry issues aside, this is a very handsome country piece, a distinction enhanced by its maker’s choice of unique materials.

English, ca. 1650

Length: 37”; Depth: 15 ½”; Height: 21”

Price: $1,100

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Inventory #26600

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