A rare and characterful oak box settle with key, circa 1700 to 1760, in the vernacular English country tradition, of tall, imposing form and wonderfully honest construction. The high back is formed of four fielded panels divided by a cross of stiles and rails, beneath a plain moulded cornice, and it appears to be fitted with a cupboard door to one side, with iron strap hinges and a small keyhole escutcheon, which suggests a useful hidden compartment within the back. The open arms are supported on simple turned balusters and sweep back to the frame, enclosing a plank seat which lifts to reveal storage beneath. The deep front is fitted with a pair of small drawers with brass drop handles, a handy addition to a form usually served only by the lift-up seat. The oak has aged to a deep, dark, almost ebonised brown with a dry, softly glowing patina, and the panels show the lovely natural variation and wear you would expect of a piece with nearly three centuries of use. Settles of this type were made to keep out draughts beside the hearth, and remain wonderfully practical today in a hallway, kitchen or entrance hall, where the seat offers a place to sit and the storage keeps boots, logs or linens tidily out of sight. Solid, atmospheric and full of rural history, a most appealing piece in good original condition.
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