Our handsome oak coffre chest with shaped legs was carved in France in the 1900’s. It is a very versatile piece of furniture, as it can be paired with just about any style of interior design. Place it at the foot of a bed for a charming blanket or linen chest. It can also be used in a game room to store children’s’ games and toys.
Chests are one of the oldest pieces of furniture, as ancient Egyptians first used them around 3000 BC. During the early Renaissance, taller chests, such as this French oak coffre chest or trunk, would often be used as side tables.
A pair of symmetrical carvings grace the front façade, beneath the flip-top lid with quarter round molding. The rectangular panels have arbalete tops with a thick recessed molding on all sides. In between is a fluted pilaster beneath a foliate keyplate. The front and sides have been carved with a highly shaped apron with recessed molding that continues along the sides of the two front cabriole legs. Both back legs are blocked, providing stability to the chest, which was assembled using round dowel construction.
CONDITION: Very strong condition with minor nicks, losses, and age separations, specifically to the top. The interior is exceptional, and the iron straps are pristine, allowing the trunk lid to stay open. No key, as the lockplate is not functional.