The Furniture Recycling Shop

Antique 17th Century Welsh Oak Bible Box - Rare Early Vernacular Coffer

Name: Antique 17th Century Welsh Oak Bible Box - Rare Early Vernacular Coffer
Brand: The Furniture Recycling Shop
SKU: 605/0056
Price: 345.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

£345.00 GBP

Sale Sold out

Taxes included.

Estimated delivery: 7–10 working days

One-off vintage piece — once sold, it’s gone.

Nationwide Delivery
Local Delivery Rates
Collection Welcome

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.

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

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?

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.

Description

This genuine 17th-century (Charles I or II period) box is a superb example of early Welsh woodworking. Crafted from thick, solid English oak, the box features a heavy single-plank lid and traditional "dovetailed" corner construction. The lid is decorated around the edges with rare hand-stamped "crescent" or "lunette" motifs, a classic regional decorative technique used in early Welsh furniture.

The box retains its original substantial hand-forged iron lock plate and hasp, a feature of significant historical value. The interior is spacious and was likely originally designed to protect the family Bible and important legal documents. The dark, "ebonised" aged patina of the oak tells the story of nearly 400 years of domestic history

Condition

The box is in authentic antique condition, showing the incredible character expected of a 400-year-old object:

Ironwork: The original hand-forged iron lock plate and hasp are present (no key). The hinges are secure but show historic rust and wear.
Surface: The oak shows extensive historic marks, deep scratches, staining, and surface losses consistent with its great age. There is a visible crack running through the center of the lid plank (see detail photos).
Decoration: The hand-stamped crescent carvings remain visible and charmingly uneven.
Build: Structurally sound and very heavy for its size. The floor of the box shows centuries of wear but remains intact.