An iron-bound strongbox for storing valuables in the 16th and 17th centuries of usual riveted rectangular form with front hasps and top lock shooting bolts, normally the internal lock mechanism was covered by an engraved lock-plate which is now missing from this chest, Some were for the use of officers at sea, and would have been bolted to the deck of the owner's cabin. Usually of German make, the chests could be anything from a few inches to 6ft long. the name itself was a fanciful Victorian invention recalling chests imagined to be used by the Spanish Armada, Nuremburg or Augsberg, 17th century, 31” wd., 16” ht., 16” depth, very heavy, we sold this to the present owner in one of our past sales, it came from a fine estate w/persian rare tapestries and artwork from a descendant of the famous 19th century thinker and author Henry James

Top is 'as found" condition, orig. key, works when turned forcefully, the internal lock mechanism inside had a cover now missing