Important "armada" Strongbox, Nuremberg, 17th Century, With Imperial Habsburg Eagle

Large “Armada” type strongbox, produced in Nuremberg in the 17th century, most likely during the second half of the century. Nuremberg was one of Europe’s foremost centers of locksmithing and strongbox production, renowned since the Renaissance for technically advanced and exceptionally robust constructions.

The term “Armada” refers to heavy iron-clad chests designed for secure transport—by land or sea—used by noble households, imperial administrations and high-ranking merchants.

The strongbox is of substantial size, corresponding to large-capacity models intended for the storage and transport of documents, coinage, valuables or archives. Its solid wooden core is entirely clad with hand-forged iron plates, arranged in a regular grid and secured with dense hammered rivets.

The flat overhanging lid is reinforced with crossed iron straps and fitted with a central forged lifting ring, a defining feature of Armada-type chests.

The front panel is fitted with a large pierced wrought-iron escutcheon depicting a crowned double-headed eagle, the principal emblem of imperial authority within the Holy Roman Empire. This iconography is closely associated with the Habsburg dynasty.

The scale and quality of the decoration, integrated directly into the locking system, indicate a representational object likely intended for institutional or noble use rather than purely domestic storage.

The strongbox is complete and fully functional, retaining its original main forged iron key. The lock operates a complex multi-bolt internal mechanism typical of Nuremberg production.

Inside, a concealed secret compartment is present, fitted with its own lock and separate key, a hallmark of high-security strongboxes of the 17th century.

• Hand-forged wrought iron

• Solid wood internal structure

• Hot-riveted construction

• Pierced and chased iron decoration

• Original aged patina with stable oxidation

No major later structural restorations are visible; the surface retains an authentic period patina.

Nuremberg Armada strongboxes are documented in museum collections and specialist sales under the terms Eisentruhe or Armada chest. Examples bearing imperial eagle decoration are uncommon, especially when preserved complete with original keys and internal secret compartments.

Such chests are consistently attributed to the 17th century, with occasional late examples extending into the early 18th century.

Very good structural condition. Locking mechanisms operational. Wear consistent with age. No compromise to integrity or function.

Height - 45 cm
Width - 84 cm
Depth - 48 cm