An Unusual 17th Century Quadruple-Lock Charles II English Antique Oak Boarded Box, circa 1660

Most boxes of this period were secured with a single lock. This one has four. Each iron lockplate is mounted across the front board above the carved initials “RS” and “AE”, and each once answered to its own key. The arrangement had a clear purpose. A box fitted with several locks could be opened only when every keyholder was present, so no single person could reach the contents alone.

That principle was well established in 17th-century England. The Canons of 1603 required every parish church to keep a chest for alms, and Archbishop Laud’s visitation articles of 1635 asked pointedly whether it had three locks and keys. Multiple-lock strongboxes served the same need in other walks of life, wherever money, deeds or the papers of a guild, charity or partnership were held in common. This box is far smaller than any parish chest, and four locks are more than the canon ever required. That suggests it kept something of particular value or sensitivity, entrusted to a small group of named custodians. The two sets of initials may well record two of them.

Its construction is classic six-plank boarded work. The front, back, ends, base and one-piece plank lid are cut from riven and sawn oak and fastened with hand-forged iron nails, whose heads still punctuate the edges. The surface has mellowed to a deep, dry brown with the soft wear of long handling. It is a quietly remarkable survivor and a fine document of trust and suspicion in Restoration England. It would sit as handsomely on a coffer, hall table, or library shelf as in any serious collection of early oak.

Provenance: England. Mid 17th century, Charles II period, circa 1660. Former ownership unknown.

Material: Oak, with iron lockplates and hand-forged iron nails.

Condition: Please refer to the images. There is minor surface wear commensurate with age. The locks no longer function. A further detailed condition report is available upon request.

Dimensions: Height 8 in (20.5 cm) × Width 28½ in (72 cm) × Depth 15 in (38 cm).