Solid Wood Studded Cash Chest. XIX Century.

Attractive safe chest made in the 19th century. It is made of solid wood and is in good condition. The wood is dark and has a reddish brown color with a nice black veneer; it is probably walnut wood. The chests surface is profusely studded with big rhomboid-shaped brass nails, in a medieval style; the chest also keeps the original metal details on the cover and the front, and the metal fittings, the handles and the rings. The assemblage of the wood is made with dovetail joints, a good-looking and solid system used in carpentry for centuries. In spite of dating from the 19th century, the chest reproduces faithfully a model from the 16th century. The small drawers located in the upper front part are complete and in good condition. The iron rods which were part of the ingenious closing system are missing, but they can be easily reposed to leave the closing system in perfect condition. This system had two rods which had to be put into two clefts located in the front edge of the box, and which also entered two small holes, each one in the front edge of each drawer (the drawers must be completely inserted in the chest). This way, when the chest was closed it was impossible to pull the drawers open. In the upper front part of the chest we can see two nice symmetrical plates, also made of brass and cut in the shape of two fantastic birds. All the metal fittings, nails and plates show a delicate old patina, which together with its old age provide the chest with a very special charm. As well as the metal plates, we can also see some leather straps fixed to the cover and the legs with round brass nails (one of the legs straps is missing), one more detail which enhances this lovely chest. It can be the perfect gift for any lover of antique medieval articles, but also the best acquisition to complete any collection of antiques, or to decorate a severe living room or study. Measurements: 275 mm width x 175 mm height.