Description: Paneled oak blanket chest, 17th Century. Front panels have large diamond carvings, as well as a carved floral border. Appears to retain original hinges. Original lock has been replaced, however, it was done within the first 100 years of the chest's life. Metal escutcheon around the keyhole may have been added at the same time. Nice view of some original early handmade nails.

History: The boarded chest was the first furniture — spawning almost everything from chairs and beds to sideboards and settees. It was the first way to store and transport things. Think: a hollowed-out tree trunk. The most popular, important item in the home for centuries, it’s still a versatile piece today—earning it the title of the “grandfather of furniture.” The invention of drawers rendered the chest nearly obsolete, but it never stopped being a useful item. Look carefully at the way chests are put together for an idea of their origins and time period. The earliest boarded or “planked” chests were literally 6 pieces of wood held together with nails, and are often very warped—and very rare. The shift to framed-up chests changed how furniture was made forever—a way to counteract the warping and shrinking of wood boards—and these antique chests often have visible frames decorated with carved friezes and beautiful lock mechanisms.

Provenance: N/A

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = | Height(in) = 24.5 | Width(in) = 51.75 | Depth(in) = 20.25

Size of Artwork(in): 24.5 x 51.75 x 20.25"

Artist Name: N/A

Medium: Oak

Circa: 17th century

Loose boards, due to shrinkage over time. Some cracks that have been refilled. Still good condition, considering the age of the piece and use.