PAINTED MINIATURE ARMADA CHEST

GERMANY c. 1600–1650

An extremely fine painted iron chest for valuables with a multi-hatch lock inside the lid. The lock has levers locking the lid on the sides of the chest. The front has an embossed floral-mimicking keyhole while the main key centers in the middle of the lid. Inside the lid is a wide lockplate engraved with a royal or noble crown. The chest is painted polychrome green with flowers and naval scenes.

This chest is a very rare type being smaller than usual chests and it was probably for property held on the table or a chest of drawers. It was easy to travel with but hard to access.

The object is in very fine condition with an original 17th century key restored to fit the box.

• Size 36 x 20 x 21 cm