A Box of unknown origins.

By RedCat, 9 April, 2025
Description

I don’t know where I came from. I got it from a neighbor that passed away and the son just gave it to me. Unknown of its value. Don’t know how old. It’s 4 feet long and 18 inches height. 

Category
Home Furnishings
Medium
Wooden. Metal of the locks with no keys that came with it.
Distinguishing marks
Two faces on the front.
Condition
Fair
Date Period
Unknown.
Price Paid (If known)
Free
For Sale?
No
Photos

Charley

1 month 3 weeks ago

Item Overview

  • Category: Antique Storage Chest / Coffer
  • Material: Solid wood (likely oak or pine) with forged iron hardware
  • Origin: Possibly European (English, French, or Italian influences), or an American Colonial Revival piece mimicking that style
  • Estimated Size: 4 feet long x 18 inches high
  • Condition: Fair – structurally sound but has signs of age and wear (splits, surface cracks, finish loss, rusted hardware)
  • Unique Features:
    • Carved profile medallions of two stylized faces (possibly classical, Renaissance, or folk representations)
    • Geometric chip-carving and fan motifs
    • Rope-turned corner posts
    • Old-style forged iron lock plate (key missing)
    • Interior is rough-hewn with iron strap hinges

Estimated Age & Style

From the construction and carving details, this chest likely falls into one of these categories:

1. 18th–19th Century Folk Chest (Possible European Origin)

  • The geometric carving and stylized faces echo Northern European folk art traditions, especially from areas like Germany, the Netherlands, or Scandinavia.
  • Rope twist columns and profile heads were common on marriage chests or dowry boxes.

OR

2. Early 20th Century Revival Piece

  • It may be a Colonial Revival or Renaissance Revival piece from around 1900–1930, made to imitate older European styles.
  • If machine-carved or assembled with modern nails or screws (check inside for evidence), it supports this interpretation.

Valuation (Fair Condition)

Sales Channel

Value Range (USD)

Antique Market (if 18th–19th c.)

$300 – $800

Vintage/Decorative (20th c. revival)

$150 – $400

Auction or Facebook Marketplace (as-is)

$100 – $300

Restored Value (refinished, functional lock)

Up to $1,000 (if genuine antique and professionally restored)

The value depends significantly on authenticity, origin, and craftsmanship. If it’s truly hand-carved and pre-1900, the collector value increases. If it’s a revival piece, it’s still highly decorative and valuable as a statement piece.

Recommendation

  • Don’t refinish unless done by a professional — patina and age matter.
  • Consider having an antique furniture expert or appraiser look at the joinery, tool marks, and wood grain to determine its true age.
  • If you ever want to display it, a light cleaning (not sanding) and wax polish could restore some luster.
Average: 4 (1 vote)