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Strong box

Strong box

  • Place of origin:

    England, Great Britain (made)

  • Date:

    1680-1700 (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Unknown (production)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Kingwood veneered on pine, with iron and gilt-brass mounts

  • Museum number:

    793:1, 2-1896

  • Gallery location:

    British Galleries, room 56d, case 14

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Object Type
The chest has a pine carcase and is veneered on the top and front with kingwood, in a pattern known as 'oysterwork'. The inside is also veneered with kingwood and fitted with one small kingwood drawer. The reinforcing bands and drop handles are of gilt brass.

Materials & Making
Kingwood, a form of rosewood from Central and South America, was much admired for its natural grain patterns. It was used as decorative veneer, even on something as utilitarian as a strong box.

Time
A number of finely veneered strong boxes have survived from the 1670s, including one from Ham House, Richmond, Surrey. The nobility used these portable strong boxes when travelling between their various properties, often in times of uncertainty and political upheaval.

Physical description

Oak, veneered with kingwood (oyster-cut on exterior, straight grain on interior) arranged to form a pattern. Spring hook with a brass hasp and plate, cut with scrolls. Chest further decorated with 3 long hinge-bands, eight angle pieces and 7 strengthening bands of brass also ornamented with scrolls. There is a brass drop handle at either end and a drawer inside. Each end is pierced vertically with a hole for a screw by which chest can be secured against removal. Part of interior fitting is missing.

Place of Origin

England, Great Britain (made)

Date

1680-1700 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Kingwood veneered on pine, with iron and gilt-brass mounts

Dimensions

Height: 21.6 cm closed, Width: 36.2 cm, Depth: 23.8 cm closed

Object history note

Notes from R.P. 1897/45757? Registry lists as RP 1896/106283

Listed on Department Form as
"1 Spanish Box, brass mounted & key (veneer cracked) purchased from W. Williamson & Sons, Guildford, 30th November 1896 for £6.12.0

1/1/97 List
shows the box as English not Spanish

Labels and date

British Galleries:
This box appears decorative, but it was also very difficult to break open or steal. It has a strong lock and two bolts concealed in the sides, so that it could be screwed down into floorboards if necessary. Its owner probably used it when travelling to keep valuable items secure. [27/03/2003]

Categories

Containers; Woodwork

Collection code

FWK

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Qr_O77730
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