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Lot 387

A JAMES II PINE SMALL COFFER

incised overall with diaper hatchings and interlaced geometric patterns, with rectangular hinged top and three incised panels, on a moulded foot, the top incised with the date ‘1688’, 27cm high x 74 cm wide x 37cm deep

Condition Report: click here
Estimate: £200 - £400
Hammer price: £200
Bidding ended. Lot has been sold.

In December of 1688 James II (VII in Scotland) departed Whitehall Palace by boat, escaping to the European continent by boat. William III had already taken up residence in St James’s Palace, at the northwestern corner of St James’s Park.  James’s voluntary departure from England allowed Parliament to appoint William III and Mary II as co-monarchs in his place. The date on this coffer may memorialise the momentous events of the Autumn of 1688.

There are the inevitable minor dents, marks and scratches consistent with age and use. One of the bottom boards is loose. The front edge of the hinged top is very worn from use. A darker coloured square patch over the keyhole area suggests an alternative escutcheon was in use previously, but not necessarily originally. The coffer is a lovely colour, the carving is still fairly crisp and deep and is in good condition. 

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