Europe, Austria or Germany, ca. 17th century CE. An impressive wooden, iron-bound chest that instantly conjures adventure and intrigue. Flanked by a pair of heavy iron handles, the exterior of the rectangular vessel is adorned with dramatic iron work forming a checkered pattern embellished by colorful painted flowers in hues of green, blue, red, and yellow. A sizable floral motif incised with swirling abstract designs serves as the lock plate and surrounds the false key hole, as two hafts hang from the top of the lid. The lovely chest additionally features a locking mechanism consisting of two fixed and five moving bolts. A true treasure can be found on the interior; a gorgeous openwork iron cashbox of an arabesque design with a central brass flower is bolted to the underside of the lid. Size: 12.75" L x 21.75" W x 12.5" H (32.4 cm x 55.2 cm x 31.8 cm)

"Armada chests" were iron-bound storage chests or strongboxes made in the 16th and 17th centuries for storing valuables. The Victorians bestowed the romantic name "Armada chest" on them. They may have been inspired by a very similar chest kept in the "Spanish armory" at the Tower of London, a room that was on display from the time of Charles II (r. 1660 to 1685) until the 20th century (then merged into the still-on-display Royal Armories) and which was said to contain weapons, instruments of torture, and other curiosities from the Spanish Armada of Elizabeth I's reign (r. 1558 to 1603). In reality, chests like this one were made in Germany and Austria, often used by officers at sea and bolted to the floor of the ship.

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000

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#162808

Key is missing. Five moving bolts are functional. Small areas of rewelding on interior of lid and to one back bolt. Missing one screw on lid and one bolt on openwork decoration on interior of lid. Expected nicks and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with rich patina and liberal remains of painted flowers.