18th Century Carved English Oak Bible Box Coffer – Antique Heritage
A beautifully preserved Georgian Bible box coffer, hand-carved in solid English oak and rich with over three centuries of history. A rare survivor that blends devotional purpose with timeless decorative appeal.
Key Features
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Authentic 18th-century English oak Bible box coffer
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Finely hand-carved foliate frieze and panel detailing
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Georgian craftsmanship dating to the early–mid 1700s
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Solid oak construction with traditional joinery
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Spacious interior with internal compartments/drawers for storage
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Naturally aged patina with warm honey-brown tones
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Originally used for sacred texts, now ideal for keepsakes or décor
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Suitable as decorative storage or a low occasional side table
Full Description
This exquisite 18th Century English Oak Bible Box Coffer is a striking example of Georgian craftsmanship, steeped in heritage and purpose. Traditionally made to safeguard family Bibles and important documents, these coffers often doubled as portable lecterns or writing boxes—objects of both devotion and daily life.
Crafted from solid English oak, this example features a beautifully hand-carved foliate frieze and decorative front panels, showcasing the skill of early-to-mid 1700s artisans. The oak has matured gracefully over centuries, developing a deep, honey-brown patina that can only be achieved through genuine age and use.
The interior offers ideal storage for treasured keepsakes, letters, or heirlooms, while its compact proportions make it highly versatile in modern interiors. Whether styled at the foot of a bed, beneath a window, or as a low side table, this Bible box coffer brings warmth, history, and authenticity into any space.
Every mark, softened edge, and tonal variation speaks to its long and storied life—making it not just a piece of furniture, but a tangible connection to England’s Georgian past.
Dimensions
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Height: 33 cm
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Width: 52 cm
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Depth: 26 cm
(All measurements are approximate.)
Materials
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Solid English oak
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Hand-carved decorative detailing
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Traditional 18th-century joinery techniques
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Naturally aged and patinated surface finish
Condition
As with all genuine antiques, this piece shows honest signs of age and use, including surface wear, gentle fading, and small marks consistent with over 300 years of history. These elements contribute to its character and authenticity. Overall condition is good and entirely commensurate with its age.
Origin / Period
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Origin: England
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Period: Early to Mid 18th Century (circa 1700–1750)
Styling Suggestions
Style this Bible box coffer in a hallway or study as a historical accent piece, or place it at the foot of a bed for elegant antique storage. It pairs beautifully with traditional interiors, country houses, and eclectic modern spaces seeking warmth and narrative depth.
FAQ
Q: What was a Bible box traditionally used for?
A: Bible boxes were designed to store and protect family Bibles and important documents, and were often used as portable lecterns or writing boxes.
Q: Is this piece suitable for modern interiors?
A: Absolutely. Its compact size and timeless design make it ideal for both traditional and contemporary homes.
Q: Is the carving original?
A: Yes, the carved details are original and consistent with Georgian workmanship of the period.
Unique Points
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Genuine 18th-century English antique
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Original hand-carved Georgian detailing
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Rare devotional furniture form
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Rich untouched patina developed over centuries
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Decorative yet practical antique storage solution
All your questions answered below...
- Fully insured delivery
- Returns accepted
- Authenticity assured
- UK-based seller, secure checkout
Delivery & Shipping Information
We’re dedicated to delivering every order with care, reliability, and your satisfaction at the heart of what we do.
Fully insured UK mainland delivery is calculated at checkout (typically £12–£45). Larger furniture items may be £60+ depending on item size, access, and delivery postcode.
Please note: the listed price is for the item only. Delivery costs are calculated separately at checkout.
UK Delivery (Mainland)
We are based in Southsea, Portsmouth (PO5) and deliver nationwide across the UK.
Delivery charges are calculated based on the item’s size, weight, and destination to ensure the most accurate and fair pricing.
Free local delivery may be available depending on your location — please get in touch to check availability.
Delivery Areas & Coverage
We deliver to most UK regions and aim to provide the most efficient and cost-effective delivery options available.
For delivery addresses north of Newcastle, or within Wales, Scotland, the Highlands, Ireland, and offshore islands, please contact us before purchasing so we can confirm delivery availability and provide an accurate quote.
International Shipping
We can arrange international shipping worldwide.
Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote.
Delivery Times & Method
Delivery typically takes 5–10 working days, depending on location and order timing.
We use trusted specialist furniture couriers experienced in transporting antiques, vintage furniture, and fragile items, ensuring safe handling throughout transit.
Standard delivery is one-man delivery to ground floor only.
Assistance may be required unless a two-man delivery service is arranged at an additional cost.
Need a Delivery Quote?
For an accurate delivery quote or to confirm any additional charges, please contact us via:
📞 +44 (0) 7973 154860
💬 WhatsApp (button available on any page)
✉️ Email us with your full delivery postcode
We can ship to most places. We have the ability to to send consignments Internationally and they are all professionally wrapped, packed and or crated for a safe and successful journey.
There is going to be additional costs and lead times depending on various factors.
The best advice is to get a quote before you decide to purchase any item/s.
Listed in every product description are the dimensions for each product.
This information is provided so you can check if the piece you wish to buy will fit in your home.
Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Any questions please get in touch, here to help.
If you would like to speak to someone before placing an order, check dimensions or have a general question, please call Mark on 07973 154860.
You can email mark (@) campbellvintage.co.uk
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Office Address: 71 Campbell Road, Southsea, PO5 1RJ. By appointment only to this address. Need to be booked in advance.
Always here to help.
Our products come with a guarantee stating they are as described when purchased.
As all our products are either antiques or vintage and have a life before we got them, we do not offer traditional warranties due to the nature of the items and history.
Please inspect the many images we provide online to be sure you want the item offered before purchasing.
The condition of each product is noted on all products in the main description. Please read this so you are clear on what you are buying.
If you have any questions however small beforehand and to give yourself peace of mind, please make contact. As we are very happy to discuss anything in greater detail.
One last thing! Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Here to help.
We hope you will be happy with your purchase. If for any reason you are unhappy, you may return the item/items to us within 14 days. Please notify us within 14 days.
You will need to arrange for the safe return of any item or items purchased. Please ensure the goods are returned in the same condition as sent to you.
You will be responsible for all return cost.
Once we have received your return, we will refund you the cost of the item/items, less any initial delivery and packaging costs, within 14 days.
Last of all, if returning an item, please advise us when we are likely to expect the item. We can then book this in and make sure we are available to except the item.
If you have any questions please contact us before ordering.
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Trade sale. Sold as seen. No returns.