2609

Large Nuremburg "armada" chest, late 1500s to mid-1600s, with key, in working order.

Currency:USD Category:Artifacts Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Large Nuremburg  armada  chest, late 1500s to mid-1600s, with key, in working order.
All items are genuine unless noted. Most shipwreck coins and artifacts come with a certificate of authenticity (please check the description for each item). By bidding in this auction you understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions posted here.
Large Nuremburg "armada" chest, late 1500s to mid-1600s, with key, in working order. 28" x 16-1/2" x 18". When people think of pirates' "treasure chests," this is the image that comes to mind, but the truth is that these more or less mass-produced boxes were like the Diebold safes of their time, being way too heavy and bulky (yet eminently secure) to carry anywhere, full or otherwise. They were for castles and manors, and indeed held great treasures, yet most rusted away, making fully intact and functional specimens like this one rare and in high demand. The lock mechanism is operated by a single keyhole in the top, with swivel cover normally hiding it, and not the larger and more obvious false keyhole in the front. Opening the chest and propping the lid on a curved bar inside reveals the workings of the lock on the underside of the lid (missing the decorative cover), which throws 6 bolts around the lip all at once, the usual 4 in the back replaced with simple cusps. Inside the chest is a smaller box to one side with its own lock (unfortunately closed and unopenable without its key). The exterior of the chest bears large handles on the sides and a strap (one of 2 originally) to hold down bolt-loops on the lid when shut. As usual, the chest is painted black on the outside and red on the inside, all with a light veneer of rusty color. (Extra packing charges apply.)