Heavy Oak Instrument or Storage Box

On offer is a very fine and strongly constructed solid oak box. We were advised when purchased it probably originally contained a marine instrument but on reflection feel it is more likely it was designed to hold important documents. The box features what appear to be over specified solid cast brass fittings with strap hinges to the rear, a twist clasp to the front that would also have taken a padlock and a heavy brass fold away handle to either end. In addition the box has a brass aperture framed mount to the top of the lid that may well have held the business card of the owner or perhaps information relating to the contents, so if retrieved from a vault the contents would be known.

Sadly we have no provenance with it but the design and style is reminiscent of campaign furniture so it may well have military origins ; certainly with the carrying handles it was designed to be moved so would seem to endorse this theory. It could however also be chancery related and designed to hold important legal documents or perhaps even a family bible box ? Suffice to say whilst its origins are unknown it is a fine piece of furniture and beautifully constructed with dovetail joints. The oak, after a light waxing, exudes patina and as well as a decorative piece in a period house it would serve equally well today as a secure storage box as was probably originally intended. As you might imagine it is a heavy item weighing in unpacked at just over 13 lbs or 6 kilos so please check delivery charges before ordering this one. As with all our stock additional detailed photographs ware available here on request.