In the annals of history, few materials have held as esteemed a place in craftsmanship as oak. This robust hardwood, with its rich grain and enduring strength, has been the cornerstone of furniture-making for centuries. Yet, there were times when oak’s value transcended its physical properties, rivalling, even exceeding, that of gold. Below we take a look at the fascinating world where oak furniture wasn’t just functional, but a symbol of wealth, prestige, and astonishing value.
The Golden Age of Oak
From the 16th to 17th centuries, often called the “Age of Oak,” this timber reigned supreme in English and northern European furniture. Its strength made it ideal for large items like trestle tables, four-poster beds, and monumental chests, while its tight grain took on carving and staining beautifully.
During this period, oak furniture was as much a status symbol as it was a functional object. Highly decorated oak pieces were commissioned by the aristocracy and wealthy merchant class, often bearing coats of arms, initials, or biblical scenes. Some commissions were so expensive and symbolic that they were considered generational investments, more valuable than currency or even gold bullion.
Oak’s Value in Historical Context
To grasp how oak could rival gold, it helps to understand how resources were viewed. Gold, being rare and non-perishable, was a store of wealth. Oak, meanwhile, was comparatively abundant, but the labour and craftsmanship involved in turning raw timber into extraordinary furniture made it precious.
In 17th-century England, the finest oak court cupboards or beds could cost £5–£10, a fortune when a skilled craftsman might earn £15–£20 per year. Multiply that into today’s money (potentially tens of thousands of pounds), and it becomes clear why these pieces were protected, inherited, and sometimes hidden from authorities during times of taxation or conflict.
Notable Examples of Oak’s Prestige
Here are five incredible stories that prove oak’s historical and monetary worth.
1. The Marriage Bed of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York (circa 1486)
Discovered in 2010 in a Chester hotel, this lavishly carved oak four-poster was at first thought to be a Victorian reproduction. But DNA analysis of the wood and iconographic carvings tied it to the royal couple’s union. The very foundation of the Tudor dynasty.
This bed, likely the only surviving royal bed from the period, is considered priceless. Historians believe it was a “state bed,” crafted from prime English oak and intended as a national symbol as much as a piece of furniture.
2. Peder Moos Oak Desk (1952)
In a remarkable twist of modern design meeting traditional craftsmanship, Danish designer Peder Moos’s one-of-a-kind oak desk sold at a Phillips auction in London for £602,500 in 2015. Moos hand-crafted every element without nails or screws, using intricate joints and fine detailing more akin to cabinet-making of the 17th century.
It’s a testament to the enduring prestige of oak: a 20th-century item achieving record-breaking prices thanks to its craftsmanship and material quality.
3. The Oak Armada Chest of Sir Francis Drake (late 16th century)
This heavily studded oak chest, once belonging to Sir Francis Drake, was believed to have been used during the Armada campaign of 1588. Sturdy and richly decorated, it combined security with craftsmanship and acted as a portable treasury.
It fetched a six-figure sum at auction in the early 2000s, thanks to its historic provenance and condition. The ironwork and joinery remain intact after more than 400 years, showcasing how oak resists time and wear.
4. The Livery Cupboard from the Great Hall of Haddon Hall (mid-1500s)
Now housed in the Haddon Hall collection in Derbyshire, this livery cupboard is one of the finest surviving examples of Tudor-era oak furniture. Carved with gothic tracery and foliage, it was used to store food and plate for noble guests.
Its worth is immeasurable to historians, and comparable pieces from similar estates (if offered at auction) would be expected to reach £100,000+ due to rarity, scale, and heritage.
5. The Misericords of Ripon Cathedral (15th century)
While technically part of ecclesiastical furniture, the intricately carved oak misericords, small hinged seats used in choir stalls, at Ripon Cathedral show the level of craftsmanship oak demanded and inspired. These tiny carvings include everything from mythical beasts to everyday life scenes, all in solid English oak.
Though not for sale, similar panels occasionally appear on the art market. In 2020, a single 15th-century oak misericord panel sold for over £45,000 at Sotheby’s.
Why Oak Endures in the Collector’s Market
While oak may no longer fetch the ounce-for-ounce value of gold, its historic significance, durability, and craftsmanship give it a unique standing in the antiques world. Today, early oak furniture (particularly pre-1700 pieces) is increasingly rare, especially in original, unrestored condition.
Modern collectors and interior designers alike appreciate its gravitas. A 17th-century refectory table or coffer can anchor a room not just visually but historically. The rich patina, developed over centuries, simply cannot be replicated.
From Past to Present: The Oak Revival
The 21st century has seen a quiet but persistent revival of antique oak furniture. Dealers like Peter Bunting Antiques play a key role in this resurgence, sourcing original pieces with verifiable provenance and condition. Whether it’s a 17th-century credence table, a Jacobean chest, or a Welsh dresser, oak is increasingly prized by a new generation of collectors seeking pieces with soul.
A new trend is blending early oak with minimalist contemporary interiors. A juxtaposition that highlights the bold, almost architectural lines of these older works.
Why Oak Was—and Still Is—More Than Gold
The idea that oak could be worth more than gold may seem poetic, but it’s rooted in fact. When one considers the man-hours, artistry, and symbolism embedded in great oak furniture, it’s easy to see why people guarded these pieces as treasures.
At Peter Bunting Antiques, we continue this legacy, honouring the skill of the past and connecting our clients with pieces that have not just monetary value, but history, character, and permanence.
If you’re seeking something enduring, beautiful, and rich with stories, antique oak furniture may well be the gold standard you never knew you needed.
