Price guide to antique chests. A chest (also called coffer or kist) is a form of furniture typically of a rectangular structure with four walls and a removable lid, for storage. The interior space may be subdivided. The early uses of an antique chest or coffer included storage of fine cloth, weapons, foods and valuable items. It is a box with a hinged lid that can safeguard your personal items. Some chests are equipped with locking mechanisms or a metal band that a lock can be secured on. In Webster’s Dictionary 1988 version, a chest is defined as a “a box with a lid and often, a lock, for storing or shipping things” or as “a cabinet as for holding medical supplies, toiletries, etc.
Chests designed for linens or other soft objects would have a very smooth or sanded interior, and chests made for heavy equipment or weapons, would have a more course interior. Chests back in the day were used primarily as a storage unit rather than just a piece of furniture similar to those used today. The furniture chests today have evolved from one that has been designed to store items for practical use, to one that is used to hold family trinkets or toys for children or grandchildren. They have also been used for primarily as a decoration and a place that could serve as a seat rather than just a transportation device. Reference: Wikipedia
Price guide to antique oak chests. Oak was a popular wood in chest making and furniture making for centuries, probably due to it's hardness and strength. A 17th and later…
Price guide to antique walnut valuables boxes / coffers. A coffer or valuables box is a strongbox or small chest for holding valuables. Walnut valuable boxes / coffers are recognisable range…
Welsh Borders Meal Chest 16th century A 16th century boarded oak clamp-front meal chest or ark, Welsh Borders, circa 1550. Having a typical dome-lid constructed using three overlapping boards wedged…