Items Similar to 18th-Century German Strongbox
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
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
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 1912
1stDibs seller since 2010
115 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 6 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: New Orleans, LA
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View All18th-Century French Master’s Lock
Located in New Orleans, LA
French Master’s Lock
18th Century
Ingeniously crafted with a hidden mechanism, this 18th-century French lock, known as a serrure de maîtrise, or master’s lock, was likely used by sa...
Category
Antique 18th Century French Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
French 18th-Century Master
s Lock
Located in New Orleans, LA
French Master’s Lock
18th Century
Ingeniously crafted with a hidden mechanism, this 18th-century French lock known as a serrure de maîtrise, or master’s lock, was likely used by saf...
Category
Antique 18th Century Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
18th-Century Tabletop Italian Diamond Front Iron Safe
Located in New Orleans, LA
Italian Tabletop Diamond Front Iron Safe
18th century
This remarkable 18th-century tabletop safe represents an exceptional fusion of security innovation and decorative metalwork. Co...
Category
Antique 18th Century Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
19th-Century French Floor Safe
Located in New Orleans, LA
French Floor Safe
Magaud de Charf
Circa 1830
A marvel of mechanical ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship, this fully functioning French hobnail safe represents one of the most se...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
$124,500
19th Century Chilean Huaso Spurs
Located in New Orleans, LA
This rare and authentic pair of Chilean spurs is stunning to behold. Traditionally worn by huasos, or Chilean cowboys, these silvered steel spurs, or esp...
Category
Antique 19th Century Chilean Other Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Steel
19th Century Chilean Huaso Stirrups
Located in New Orleans, LA
This striking and rare pair of Chilean wooden stirrups are true gems. Also known as estribos, these stirrups are carved from a solid block of wood. Tak...
Category
Antique 19th Century Chilean Other Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Silver, Steel
You May Also Like
18th Century, German or Dutch Pipehead
Located in Copenhagen, K
Fantastic wood and brass pipe.
Category
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Tobacco Accessories
Materials
Brass
$400 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century German Pewter Passover Plate
Located in New York, NY
Pewter passover tray, Germany, 18th century.
The outer rim has wriggle- work engraving of the order of the Seder service, along with a pair of birds fl...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century German Religious Items
Materials
Pewter
18th Century German Silver Festival Kiddush Goblet
Located in New York, NY
Silver Kiddush Goblet, Hieronymus Mittnacht, Augsburg, Germany, 1763-1765.
Classic style tulip-form bowl with chased scalloped design motif with facete...
Category
Antique 1760s German Religious Items
Materials
Silver
German 18th Century Silver And Hardwood Snuff Box
Located in Copenhagen, K
Wonderful carved German or Austrian snuff box hunting motive and silver mounting. Carved to fit "hand in glove."
Provenance: Exhibited at the Dome M...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century German Baroque Tobacco Accessories
Materials
Silver
$1,350 Sale Price
46% Off
18th Century German Portable Ivory Sundial — Possibly Nuremberg
Located in Madrid, ES
Exceptional portable sundial made of engraved ivory, a fine example of German craftsmanship from the 18th century, possibly produced in Nuremberg, one of Europe’s historic centers fo...
Category
Antique Early 18th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone
Anatomical model: a thyroid, Germany end of 18th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Coloured wax anatomic model depicting an human organ: Thyroid mounted on black painted wooden base. Germany end of XVIII sec.
Category
Antique Late 18th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood













