17th Century William and Mary Rosewood Coffre Fort on Stand, Secret Compartments

17th Century William and Mary Rosewood Coffre Fort on Stand, Secret Compartments

The unique 17th-century William and Mary rosewood coffre forte, circa 1690, raised on George I walnut stand, circa 1720.

The rosewood veneered exterior is entirely decorated in gilt brass straps. Once the lid is opened you can open the gilt brass catch to release the cover revealing a void. You can slide out the left and right verticle pieces which reveal oak boxes on each side and you will note a small brass knob to the centre. I was baffled at first as to what this knob was for but it is a key to release the secret drawer in the lower section. You insert it into a small hole and this releases the spring allowing you to slide the drawer divide out.

Once this and the drawers are removed, you can slide the entire base of the box out which hides a tray and two large drawers to either side. It is all very well thought out and the cabinetmaker has created an optical illusion. Looking at the box you would have said that there is no way that the large secret drawers and tray could fit in the lower section below the two drawers but the drop-down front is positioned at the top of the base which makes it appear 1 inch but it is greater than 2 inches!

The walnut cabriole leg stand dates from the reign of King George I, circa 1720 and it is likely that it was a bespoke commission to elegantly raise the coffre forte in the period. It should be noted that this is an extremely rare addition.

When placed on the stand the total height is 88 cm.