{"product_id":"early-17th-century-oak-iron-strong-box-with-twin-locks","title":"Early 17th Century Antique Oak \u0026 Iron Strong Box With Twin Locks","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is a stout and deeply characterful strong box of boarded oak, made to guard a household's or institution's most precious things: coin, plate, deeds and documents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe front carries two iron lockplates, each with a hinged hasp. This double-locked arrangement often meant that two keyholders, each holding one key, had to be present before the box could be opened, a safeguard familiar from parish, guild and household strong boxes of the period. The corners are reinforced with hand-forged angle-iron straps, three to each front corner, fixed with domed hand-made nails. The lid overhangs on all sides with a moulded edge and shows handsome figure in the oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe timber has mellowed to a rich, deep brown with a patinated surface, and the ironwork has a dark and even patina. Together they give the box the quiet gravity of an object made for trust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCompact enough for modern rooms, it serves equally well as a statement piece in a hallway or library, at the end of a bed, or as an occasional table in a period interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e English or Low Countries, early 17th century, circa 1600–1640\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oak and iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eThere is age-related shrinkage, splits, wear, and knocks consistent with some four centuries of use. Iron with surface oxidation and old losses consistent with age. The box is missing its iron carry-handle at each end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight 11½ in (29 cm); Width 27½ in (70 cm); Depth 11¾ in (30 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holt Antiques at East Raynham","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55632760701270,"sku":"HAF7495","price":1250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/7462\/5878\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_b8aa480d-4ec5-4f1e-b001-a873c649af94.jpg?v=1791376413","url":"https:\/\/holtantiquefurniture.com\/products\/early-17th-century-oak-iron-strong-box-with-twin-locks","provider":"Holt Antiques at East Raynham","version":"1.0","type":"link"}