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18th-Century German Strongbox

$64,500
£49,075.06
€56,544.47
CA$91,569.81
A$98,238.02
CHF 52,692.86
MX$1,182,772.62
NOK 664,255.31
SEK 605,708.79
DKK 422,462.59

About the Item

German Strongbox Circa 1750 This rare German strongbox stands as an exceptional testament to 18th-century ingenuity, uniting advanced security with refined ornamentation. Constructed from formidable wrought iron, the chest is adorned with scrolling and foliate decorations along with lion and crown motifs that underscore its commanding presence. A masterfully concealed keyhole lies hidden beneath the lion on the lid, revealed only with a discreet pick, while a false keyhole misdirects the untrained eye. Designed for both beauty and impenetrability, the strongbox opens to display its complex internal mechanism. The underside of the lid reveals this intricate system, an elegant mechanical marvel that once safeguarded a ship’s most valuable possessions. Often referred to as an “Armada chest,” this type of strongbox was originally produced in southern Germany, particularly in Nuremberg. Though long misattributed as Spanish due to their association with maritime trade, these chests were typically bolted to a ship’s deck or stored in a secure cabin to protect gold, jewels and vital documents during travel. They embody the era’s heightened demand for portable yet highly secure storage during a time of expanding global commerce. On base: 25 1/2" high x 28 1/2" wide x 21" deep
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 27.5 in (69.85 cm)Depth: 20.5 in (52.07 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1750
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    New Orleans, LA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 32-13781stDibs: LU891148251262

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