• Nuremberg painted iron table casket, circa 1580, front view showing figural decoration and ring carrying handle, photographed on a wood surface
  • Front and side view of a Nuremberg iron casket, circa 1580, showing painted figural panels and iron strap banding. Also showing missing side carry handle.
  • Three-quarter view of a Nuremberg iron casket showing the side carrying ring and hinged ring handle to the lid
  • Top view of a Nuremberg iron casket showing the strapwork banding and hinges to the lid and key
  • Front view of the Nuremberg iron casket against a plain background
  • Interior of the lid of a Nuremberg iron casket showing the elaborate pierced multi-bolt steel lock mechanism
  • Detail of the multi-bolt lock mechanism to the interior of the lid
  • Further detail of the pierced steel lock plate and bolt mechanism
  • Close-up of the original iron key engaged in the lock to the top of the casket
  • Interior of the Nuremberg casket with the lid open, showing the lock mechanism and plain interior
  • Reverse view of the casket showing the iron strap banding and the key looped over the carrying handle
  • Interior view of the open casket showing the lock mechanism and base
  • Underside of the Nuremberg casket showing the base and remnants of later tape to the edges
1 15

Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill

16th Century Antique Nuremberg Painted Iron Table Casket, Strongbox, Circa 1580

16th Century Antique Nuremberg Painted Iron Table Casket, Strongbox, Circa 1580

£2,250.00 GBP
£2,250.00 GBP
Sale Sold
Shipping calculated at checkout.

A German (Nuremberg) Painted Iron Table Casket, Circa 1580

Of rectangular form, with a hinged lid and key, the body is bound with riveted strap-iron banding to the lid and sides. The front and end panels retain traces of the original polychrome decoration within shaped reserves, depicting figures in flowing drapery — one in ochre-orange, a further robed figure with gilt-yellow highlights — now worn to a dark oxidised ground consistent with four and a half centuries of handling. Fitted to one end with an iron ring handle for lifting.

The lid opens to reveal an elaborate steel lock of pierced and scrolled foliate form, operated by the original ring-handled iron key which engages a multi-bolt mechanism to the interior of the lid — the hallmark achievement of the Nuremberg locksmith's trade, for which the city held a European-wide reputation throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Such caskets were made for the secure keeping of coin, documents, and valuables, their painted exteriors belying the sophistication of the ironwork concealed within.

Provenance: Germany. Nuremberg, circa 1580.

Material: Iron

Condition: An honest, well-aged surface throughout, the iron with an old dry russet patina and scattered pitting consistent with age; the painted decoration worn and fragmentary as illustrated; remnants of a later tape strip to the base edges, apparently a later addition rather than original; lock mechanism complete and in full working order. One carry handle at one end panel is missing. A rare and characterful survival of German Renaissance ironwork.

Dimensions: 9 in wide x 4⅜in high x 4⅞in deep, including hinges (23 x 11 x 12.5cm).

🚚✈️🚢 We ship worldwide!

You can buy with 100% confidence too!

We are a member of the following 4 Professional Associations:

1. LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) –  LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antique dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee;

2. CINOA –Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art, (or International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations) is the world association of art & antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries);

3. The Norfolk & Suffolk Antique Dealers Association - Representing reputable, high quality antiques dealers based in Norfolk and Suffolk; and

4. FSB - Federation of Small Business.

Wish to purchase this item?

1. Buy online via this website; OR

2. Tel: 00 44 7551 383897 (line open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday UK time) where we can take payment over the phone.

Want further information about an item or wish to discuss shipping costs?

1. Email us via this website; OR

2. Email us via:
info@holtantiquefurniture.com 

We will aim to respond and make contact with you within 24 hours of receipt of your enquiry.

🚚✈️🚢 Shipping & Customs Information

Please Note: Prices shown exclude customs clearance fees. Where applicable, these charges will be levied directly by your receiving courier, designated importer, or local government authority. These fees vary by destination and are the responsibility of the buyer. For guidance on potential charges, we recommend contacting your local customs office prior to purchase.

View full details