Rare 17th Century Dorset Oak Coffer

A particularly rare example of a coffer from a small group that were made around 1655 and documented in Victor Chinnerys book, Oak Furniture The British Tradition. This is the first one of this kind we''ve seen in the form of a Mule Kist having the drawer to the bottom. These coffers were usually ebonized in areas to pick out the carving, however there is no trace of it on this example. The colour and patina is wonderful, the piece really glows, retaining original hinges and escutcheons and in good clean original condition throughout. The Initials T W are carved to the centre of the top rail.