Very Large Handsome circa 18th Century (possibly earlier) Six Plank Fruitwood Coffer With Candle Box

Very Large Handsome circa 18th Century (possibly earlier) Six Plank Coffer With Candle Box


Hinged lid features original iron hoop hinges and reveals large storage area with candle box


The front panel retains parts of its original iron plate and has large ironwork carrying handles to the sides


This is a very heavy coffer and measures approx 153cm long x 61cm deep x 56cm high


Condition- it has wear as you would expect of a piece of furniture this age but on the whole is solid and in good condition


The price quoted for delivery is an estimate it might well be cheaper depending obviously on where you live so please provide your postcode and I will get an accurate price for you otherwise quite happy for you to collect but will take a two man team to lift

Why was fruitwood used :

During the 18th and 19th centuries fruitwood was widely used for the construction of vernacular or “country” furniture in England.

The most commonly used fruitwood was the timber from the native or wild cherry, Prunus avium, which produced a decent sized trunk and fine, wide planks. The wood is of a close, firm texture and reddish colour, and cabinet makers were drawn to it for various reasons; firstly, availability: a ready supply of locally produced timber. It is also very easy to work: the grain is fine and smooth, light in weight yet stable, and relatively free from knots. It holds a finish well; whether originally oiled or varnished, it acquires a lovely silky sheen over the years.

Another factor was its reddish colour and superficial resemblance to mahogany. At the time mahogany was a very expensive imported timber, only used on the finest “town” pieces; cherry was often used instead, such as in this delightful glazed corner cupboard, dating from about 1800. A country piece made in the “style” of a much grander one, it has a lovely, mellow colour and waxy finish.

Different types of fruitwood are notoriously difficult to distinguish from each other. Pearwood is strong, heavy and fine in grain, tinged with red. It was used from a very early period for simple country furniture. Stained black and polished or varnished, it was also used to imitate ebony as stringing and inlay, and in 18th century bracket clocks. It is the only fruitwood to display “fiddleback”, the curious crosshatched figuring that was traditionally used on the backs of violins.