A 17th Century Westmoreland Carved Oak Coffer .

This lovely coffer is of good colour and proportions.

The four panel top over a front fully carved with S-scroll motives ,the top rail with a central lock plate flanked by three double S-scrolls over three panels carved with a central flower head surrounded with a circular S-scroll chain and the the rails either side also with S-scroll design .

Plain side panels with moulded rails standing at its original height with original wire hinges and lockplate .

In good order with a lovely colour and patina ,the right hand lid panel has a crack that has old brace bars to the internal side.

What is interesting about this chest apart from its quality is that the top rail has a hidden message in that all the S-scrolls that flank the lock plate flow the same wayup and down,apart from the facing left hand end which has two the same to stop the flow.

Is this a sign for what religious side you are on, is it a sign that only God can complete an item or is it a sign for your loyalty to the King ? 

What ever the true reason it gives this chest endless thought and future discussions over the reason why and i do not feel it is the carvers mistake as i have come across these little differences before.

Recently acquired from a Parkland Country House in East Sussex along with 9 other items listed.

47" (120 cm) Wide

22.5" (57 cm) Deep

28"  (71 cm) High