A North Italian Iron And Embossed Sheet Metal Strongbox, Late 17th Early 18th Century

Wrought-iron and repoussé sheet-metal chest of Northern Italian origin. Wrought-iron and repoussé sheet-metal chest of Northern Italian or German origin. The sheet metal was obtained from a solid block by hot hammering and carved with a chisel according to a predetermined design layout. The keyhole, where the key is inserted, is located at the center of the lid and is concealed by a retractable escutcheon (technical secret). The one located at the center of the front panel is false (psychological secret). The lock occupies the entire inner surface of the lid and is of the multiple-bolt type. Through the force applied by turning the key, a complex system of levers moves in synchrony, simultaneously actuating all the spring-loaded snap bolts.

HxLxD 21,85in x 37,40in x 19,29in

Provenance
Private collection

Conditions
Defects. Restorations.