Nuremberg Chest – 17th Century

A very attractive German-made nautical chest, likely from Nuremberg, constructed of riveted and reinforced iron dating from the 17th century.

The keyhole, visible on the front, serves to deter potential thieves. The actual lock, more discreet, is located on the lid of the chest.

The mechanism, partially concealed by a metal plate with a floral motif, is fixed beneath the lid. With a single turn of the key, it operates the five bolts of the lock, making the chest virtually impenetrable.

On either side of the chest are two wrought-iron handles used for carrying.

These sailors' chests served as portable safes. The captain would screw the chest from the bottom to the floor of his cabin and store sensitive documents, such as nautical charts, valuables, or coins.

The complexity of the mechanism, as well as the various decorations, made them both useful and valuable objects.

Dimensions: W 57 cm x H 27 cm x D 29 cm

Southern Germany – Nuremberg

Very good condition

Original wrought iron side handles

17th century