The Furniture Recycling Shop
18th Century Carved Oak Mule Chest - Antique Coffer With Drawers
18th Century Carved Oak Mule Chest - Antique Coffer With Drawers
Estimated delivery: 7–10 working days
One-off vintage piece — once sold, it’s gone.
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- Nationwide Delivery
- Local Delivery Rates
- Collection Welcome
Delivery & Collection
Delivery & Collection
Most mainland UK locations are covered by our standard £65 furniture delivery service, with a reduced local delivery rate of £30 available within 15 miles of Bourne End SL8.
Some remote or harder-to-reach areas may require a different delivery charge, so please check our Delivery Information page before ordering or contact us if unsure.
Furniture deliveries are carried out by one-man couriers, so assistance will usually be required to help unload the item at delivery. Delivery is generally to the door, although some drivers may assist further at their own discretion.
We aim to deliver most furniture items within 10 working days, depending on location and courier routes.
Collection is also welcome from our Bourne End showroom:
The Furniture Recycling Shop
1a Station Road
Bourne End
Buckinghamshire
SL8 5QE
Collections are available during shop opening hours only, which can be found in the footer at the bottom of this page. We always appreciate advance notice prior to collection so we can ensure your item is prepared and ready at the front of the shop.
Please contact us on 01628 810249 or furniture_@live.co.uk regarding collection arrangements.
Condition & Authenticity
Condition & Authenticity
We aim to describe the condition of every item as honestly and accurately as possible, with any notable wear, repairs, damage or imperfections clearly shown in both the description and photographs.
Established since 2005, we have built a strong knowledge of interiors, antiques and period furniture, allowing us to confidently identify and catalogue our pieces.
If you would like a more detailed condition report, additional photographs or a walkaround video via WhatsApp or SMS, we are always happy to help.
Please contact us at furniture_@live.co.uk with any enquiries.
A More Sustainable Choice
A More Sustainable Choice
Choosing antique and reclaimed furniture is one of the most sustainable ways to furnish a home.
Older furniture was often built using solid timber and traditional craftsmanship designed to last for generations, rather than a few years.
By giving these pieces a new home, you help reduce demand for mass-produced furniture while keeping beautiful, characterful items in circulation for years to come.
Need Help?
Need Help?
If you would like any additional information before purchasing, we are always happy to help.
We can assist with condition reports, additional photographs, measurements, walkaround videos, delivery enquiries or sourcing particular pieces of furniture.
Please contact us at furniture_@live.co.uk or call 01628 810249 during shop opening hours.
Dimensions
Condition
The chest is in remarkable original antique condition for its 350-year age, possessing a rich, dark "oxblood" patina:
- Hardware: Please note that the right-hand drawer is currently missing one of its teardrop handles (see detail photos).
- Internal: The original hinged candle box is present, though its small wooden lid is currently detached.
- Surface: The heavy oak planks show an authentic undulating surface, with historic nicks, age-related splits, and scuffs throughout, all consistent with 17th-century utility furniture.
- Build: Structurally very sound, exceptionally heavy, and robust. All doors and drawers are functional despite the missing handle.
Description
. A "mule chest" represents a key transition in furniture history, combining the traditional lift-top coffer with the added modern utility of base drawers.
Constructed from heavy planks of quartered English oak, the chest features a stunning three-panel front. The outer panels are decorated with formal diamond lozenges, while the central panel showcases an intricate "figure-of-eight" guilloché carving filled with blooming floral rosettes. Below the main compartment are two deep drawers above a decorative scalloped apron. Inside, the chest retains its original "candle box" or till, a charming period feature used for storing small valuables or tapers. This is a high-impact statement piece with deep historical roots.
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We are always happy to assist with delivery enquiries, condition reports or additional photographs prior to purchase.