An unusually large and incredibly impressive antique 'Armada Chest'. Most likely German and dating to the middle of the 18th Century, it features a complex eight-point locking mechanism which remains fully operational - giving a satisfying 'clunk' when the massive 6" key is turned. It is of heavy iron construction with riveted strapwork reinforcement, wrought iron handles to each side and a false escutcheon to the front. To the inside is a separate compartment, also with multipoint locking - though no longer operational. The intriguing writing to the top is possibly later but gives the chest a great sense of age and mystery! 100cm x 53cm x 49cm high. Extremely heavy, at approximately 180kg.

Dating back to an era long before modern banking, safety deposit boxes and burglar alarms, ownership of these 'Armada Chests' would have been the only for the richest, upper echelons of society - a place to safeguard their accumulated wealth, money, important documents and other riches. The term 'Armada Chest' was coined by the Victorians, who imagined strong boxes such as this being laden with Spanish gold! In reality, far from having anything to do with the Spanish Armada, this type of strong box was developed by the Germans in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Condition: A great example of its type, with a fully operational locking mechanism. It does have some age-related wear including localised surface rust, minor edge wear and losses. Two of the hinge pins are missing and a third has been replaced with a modern bolt. At present the support strut to hold the lid open does not function - originally it would have registered against a plate concealing the locking mechanism, long since removed. The false escutcheon to the front has losses, but I do have the parts (last image). To the lower right hand side there is an incision, approximately 4" long and visible in the last image, where the chest has no doubt been broken into at some time in its history. This doesn't detract and if anything adds something to its story. The locking mechanism for the inner compartment is no longer operational and the parts have become detached, also as pictured.

Shipping: Due to this item's considerable size and weight no regular courier service will touch it, but don't let the logistics put you off - this is a fantastic item that will be well worth the effort needed to get it to its new owner! Collection, of course, would be preferred (Penrith area, close to junction 40 of the M6), for which a van will be required. I can assist with loading. Alternatively a palletised kerb-side delivery may be possible, or depending on location I might be able to bring it to you in person. For obvious reasons and with apologies to overseas buyers, this item is for mainland UK buyers only.