Travel Case Made Of Walnut And Wrought Iron – Louis XIV Period.
A Louis XIV-era travel chest made of solid walnut, adorned with wrought-iron and cut-out hardware.
Rectangular in shape, it features a slightly domed lid and is exceptionally well-crafted.
The case utilizes hidden dovetail joints with mitered edges: completely concealed within the thickness of the wood, the dovetails reveal only a mitered joint on the exterior. This technique, more elaborate than an exposed dovetail joint, produces perfectly clean edges while maintaining the strength of the joint.
The cabinet is banded and reinforced with iron strips placed on the lid, the various sides, and the bottom. At the corners, these are complemented by numerous cut-out and riveted iron fittings, forming scrolls, foliage, and floral motifs that, in places, resemble the fleur-de-lis.
Two movable wrought-iron handles on the sides allowed for its transport. They feature beautiful wrought-iron work accented with rings and bulges. The iron hinges are also original.
The lockwork is one of the most interesting features of this chest. A large interior iron lock simultaneously controls five locking points distributed across the entire width. The five bolts engage with an equal number of strike plates, thus securing the lid.
The lock is complete and functional, with an antique key.
With its side handles and elaborate locking system, this case belongs to the category of travel and security cases designed for the transport and safekeeping of documents, personal effects, or valuable items.
This secure case design was still in use in the early 18th century in so-called “messenger” cases, intended specifically for transporting valuable documents. An example crafted by Pierre Hache around 1725–1735, featuring a sophisticated security mechanism, is notably documented by Pierre and Françoise Rouge in “Le génie des Hache,” No. 40.
Our example thus combines a particularly meticulous solid walnut construction with metalwork that is both functional and decorative. The preservation of its metal fittings, handles, hinges, and locking mechanism helps maintain the integrity of this Louis XIV-era travel chest.
Dimensions:
Width: 39.5 cm
Depth: 30 cm
Height: 21.5 cm
Rectangular in shape, it features a slightly domed lid and is exceptionally well-crafted.
The case utilizes hidden dovetail joints with mitered edges: completely concealed within the thickness of the wood, the dovetails reveal only a mitered joint on the exterior. This technique, more elaborate than an exposed dovetail joint, produces perfectly clean edges while maintaining the strength of the joint.
The cabinet is banded and reinforced with iron strips placed on the lid, the various sides, and the bottom. At the corners, these are complemented by numerous cut-out and riveted iron fittings, forming scrolls, foliage, and floral motifs that, in places, resemble the fleur-de-lis.
Two movable wrought-iron handles on the sides allowed for its transport. They feature beautiful wrought-iron work accented with rings and bulges. The iron hinges are also original.
The lockwork is one of the most interesting features of this chest. A large interior iron lock simultaneously controls five locking points distributed across the entire width. The five bolts engage with an equal number of strike plates, thus securing the lid.
The lock is complete and functional, with an antique key.
With its side handles and elaborate locking system, this case belongs to the category of travel and security cases designed for the transport and safekeeping of documents, personal effects, or valuable items.
This secure case design was still in use in the early 18th century in so-called “messenger” cases, intended specifically for transporting valuable documents. An example crafted by Pierre Hache around 1725–1735, featuring a sophisticated security mechanism, is notably documented by Pierre and Françoise Rouge in “Le génie des Hache,” No. 40.
Our example thus combines a particularly meticulous solid walnut construction with metalwork that is both functional and decorative. The preservation of its metal fittings, handles, hinges, and locking mechanism helps maintain the integrity of this Louis XIV-era travel chest.
Dimensions:
Width: 39.5 cm
Depth: 30 cm
Height: 21.5 cm
1 600 €
Period: 17th century
Style: Louis 14th, Regency
Condition: Good condition
Material: Wallnut
Reference (ID): 1819389
Availability: In stock
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