17th Century Baroque Chest

Details

Description

A Baroque chest from the second half of the 17th century. Northern Germany/Netherlands. Solidly crafted in oak with a beautiful … Read more A Baroque chest from the second half of the 17th century. Northern Germany/Netherlands. Solidly crafted in oak with a beautiful original patina finish.

Chests like these were traditionally used as trousseau or wedding chests. They were used to transport the bride's trousseau or dowry to her new home, e.g. in the form of crockery and home textiles. This is also indicated by the extra compartment inside, in German called a ‘Beilade’, which was used to store valuables separately. Similar to (trousseau/wedding) cabinets, they were originally usually placed in the kitchen or the chamber (bedroom) of the house.

Today, they are ideal for hallways and entrance areas, for example, for practical storage and as seating.


Rectangular flat-lidded chest with continuous side panels and a strictly symmetrical front featuring panelling, mouldings and attached studs. The lid, with two panels, is attached to the chest body with long hand-forged iron hinges. The extended side panels end in cut-out plinth finishes.
Inside, the chest has smooth walls and the classic "Beilade" (side compartment) on the right-hand narrow side.
A particularly high-quality detail is the small drawer on the front, disguised as a right-hand panel. It is just as solid as the rest of the furniture, made with wooden dowels and dovetail joints, and can be locked in the side compartment with a wooden pin. When the drawer is completely pulled out, the removable bottom conceals a secret compartment underneath.
The original lock plate completes the front of the chest.
Lock and key are missing.

Dimensions
Height: 79 cm / 31.1 inch.
Width: 142 cm / 55.9 inch.
Depth: 54 cm / 21.25 inch.
Height with flap open: 128 cm / 50.39 inch.

Internal dimensions: 45 cm (17.71 in.) high, 112 cm (44.09 in.) wide, 47.5 cm (18.7 in.) deep
Internal dimensions of the drawer: 15 cm (5.9 in.) high, 14 cm (5.51 in.) wide, 45.5 cm (17.91 in.) deep


An authentic piece of furniture in good condition with slight age-related signs of wear. The surface has been carefully cleaned inside and out, and the outside has been polished with wax to preserve the historical patina. A holder for the lid and a wooden pin for locking the drawer have been added. The wooden knob on the drawer is a later addition. Lock and key are missing. See less