Regimental Safe. Iron. Probably Germany, 18th Century.

Regimental safe. Iron. Probably Germany, 18th century.
It has defects.
Rectangular safe with a flat lid containing the top bolt mechanism (which has a simple mechanism to cover the keyhole; this was usually hidden behind a decorated lid, not seen here). It also has handles on the sides, with two flat elements and two half-rings on the front, which were probably used to lock the safe. This meant that three different keys were required to access the inside of the safe, protecting it against theft and increasing the likelihood of it being used by an organization. Note also the carved decoration on the lid, with simple geometric shapes and yellow polychromy. Remains of a heraldic shield are visible in the middle of the front. The most obvious feature of this coat of arms is a double-headed eagle with a closed crown at the top and a shield with elements in the center of its body. This bird was used by the Holy Roman Emperor between 1433 and 1806, among others. It was also used by the Austrian Empire (whose coat of arms was created in 1815, following the Congress of Vienna).
Weight: 70 kg. Dimensions: 83 x 42 x 46 cm.