A small, mid-17th, century, painted, strongbox
10918
The top with eight panels reinforced with strapwork and bolts, and a later cover revealing the central keyhole.
The key operating a mechanism on the interior of the lid throwing five bolts. The lock protected by an elaborate pierced and engraved inner cover decorated with acanthus leaves. The hinges original. The interior painted red, and retaining the original lever supporting the lid. The front with eight, panels reinforced with strap work and bolts. Twin hasp fittings. The false escutcheon headed by an elaborate foliate mask. The sides with six, panels reinforced with strap work and bolts and original carrying handles. The exterior painted throughout with vignettes of seascape and landscape scenes and floral still lives within floral borders. The decoration refreshed with some overpainting. Probably German or Spanish, 1st quarter of the 17th century.
The painting retains its provincial charm and character. It is of unusually small size. Documents and private papers are recorded as being kept in strong boxes, which were also used to safeguard other items of personal value. They serve very well as modern safes.
17th Century
1650
small, 17th, century, painted, strongbox, german, spanish, safe, Broomhill House, Grantown-on-Spey
German or Spanish
Broomhill House, Grantown-on-Spey
