Strong box

Unknown

late 16th or early 17th century · Steel · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This formidable steel strongbox is reinforced with an armature of the same material. Its elaborate locking mechanism, consisting of nine bolts and various leaf-shaped shields, offered the owner a safe storage place for his valuables. Corresponding to the eyes along the rim of the lid, the two pendant hasps in front allowed the use of additional padlocks. Nuremberg and the neighboring town of Augsburg were major metal-producing centers where armorers, locksmiths, and founders made arms and armor as well as useful wares such as locks, caskets, and strongboxes.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th or early 17th century

Medium

Steel

Culture

German, possibly Nuremberg

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Henry G. Marquand, 1890