2105 Antique Chest
2105) EXCEPTIONALLY DECORATED NUREMBERG STRONGBOX FROM A GOTHIC CATHEDRAL WITH SECRET KEY OPENING:
Introduction: This remarkable 17th-century Armada chest features a rich, narrative decorative scheme that combines traditional ironwork security with a vibrant, beautifully preserved program of religious painting. Unlike typical plain iron Armada chests, this piece is distinctively adorned with depictions of the Twelve Apostles, the Adoration of the Magi, the Ten Commandments, and the Crucifixion, framed by ornate iron straps.
Discussion: The Nuremberg strongbox (also called a coffer or Armada chest) was initially designed for Nobility and the wealthy to store their money and valuables. Eventually, wealthy travelers also adopted it, but to a lesser degree. Over time, these Renaissance strongboxes have become decorative, conversation-starting pieces in contemporary homes. They make ideal coffee tables for rooms with a collection of Arms and Armor or any historical collection. The example under discussion could be as early as 1700.
As Nuremberg strongboxes evolved, a sophisticated locking mechanism emerged that engaged on all sides of the lid. Most of these strongboxes were made in Nuremberg, with much smaller production in Augsburg. Nuremberg strongboxes were the first chests forged entirely from sheet iron and reinforced with intersecting strips and iron/steel fittings. During this period, Italians made their money chests of wood with metal bands. During the Victorian era, Nuremberg strongboxes were renamed “armada chests” under the mistaken impression that they had accompanied the Spanish during the “Invincible Armada” of 1588. Another misconception was that the conquistadors filled them with gold on their return.
Description: Steel construction. The sides have forged handles; the hinged lid opens to a complex multi-gear lock mechanism covered by a grille; the chest stands on four claw feet. The actual functioning keyhole is hidden on the top lid, concealed in an escutcheon under a secret sliding panel. Turning the true key at the top triggers a massive, complex mechanism on the underside of the lid that simultaneously fires multiple locking bolts. The entire chest stands firmly on four cast metal claw feet. The interior is lined with cloth.
Decoration: The Center Panel depicts the Adoration of the Magi. The infant Christ lies wrapped in swaddling clothes in a radiant, straw-filled manger. The three Wise Men surround him, including a kneeling king in rich blue robes and a standing Magus wearing a white turban. A shepherd with his flock kneels in the foreground, while a donkey feeds peacefully against a rustic stable background featuring a distant, fortified town under a blue sky. On the sides, full-length figures of St. Joseph (left) and the Virgin Mary (right) flank the central scene. Both are depicted in profile, dressed in flowing blue and gold-ochre garments, looking inward with their hands clasped in deep adoration.
The rear of the chest mirrors the front’s tripartite layout, shifting the focus to Old Testament law. The center panel features a dramatic, expressive painting of Moses descending Mount Sinai. He wears wild, windswept grey hair and a beard, wrapped in a vibrant crimson cloak over a blue tunic. He dynamically holds up the two stone tablets of the law, set against a rocky hill landscape under a bright sky. The side panels two faux-gilded arched tablets contain the Ten Commandments in Latin script (e.g., “Non habebis deos alienos coram me”, “Non occides”, “Non furaberis”). They are framed by the chest’s heavy vertical iron brackets.
The top of the chest is divided by thick, handwrought iron straps into four vertical panels, each containing a full-length painted figure with a golden halo set against a dark background:
St. Peter: On the far left, traditionally holding the keys to the kingdom.
The Evangelists hold quills, books, or scrolls, signifying their role as Gospel authors.
The garments stand out in bright, contrasting pigments—bold malachite greens, deep azurite blues, and rich cinnabar reds—separated by dark borders decorated with faint, punched or painted scrolling tendrils.
Central Lock Accent: The massive, upright iron key stands directly between the panels, integrating the mechanical function of the chest into the artwork.
The chest’s left and right flanks continue the apostolic cycle. Each side is split by iron bars into a grid of four quadrants (making eight figures total on the sides, completing the Twelve Apostles when combined with the four on the lid):
Iconographic Attributes: The figures are shown from the waist up. Some hold books, others hold instruments of their martyrdom (such as a sword or a halberd), and one clearly displays a scallop shell on his cloak—the traditional symbol of St. James the Great.
Heavy Iron Handles. When the chest is unlocked and opened, it reveals a hidden, highly sacred image protected from the elements. A dramatic depiction of Christ’s Crucifixion on Mount Calvary. Jesus is central on the cross, surrounded by a swirling, expressive sky. At the base, four grieving figures kneel—traditionally the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Clopas, and St. John the Evangelist—dressed in contrasting blue and crimson robes. This hidden masterpiece creates a stark visual contrast with the luxurious, bright red velvet lining the interior storage space. Dark, oxidized iron bands protect the painted wood panels and are secured with flush rivets. The chest is raised on carved lion’s paw feet, a classic Renaissance and Baroque motif symbolizing strength and guardianship over the treasures within.
Condition: Very good. Conserved/restored to its original standards.
Approximate Dimensions: 18,5 high x 30″ wide x 17.5″ deep, including feet.
Provenance: Acquired from a European collector. By tradition, from a German cathedral.
Conclusion: This Nuremberg strongbox is as elegant as they come. Its amazing decoration overshadows the fact that it is superbly constructed and a great conversation piece. Most Arms and Armor collectors own a Nuremberg chest; however, not like this one. I personally own four. They are great for displaying helmets and other collectibles. They give any Arms and Armor collection that armory feel and look. ACT-NOW, this one is priced to sell today!!!
All my items come with the following:
–Free shipping in the US.
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– In the event of an international shipment, we will help assign the lowest correct Customs tariff, so you pay the least as little as 5% or even nothing.
I believe you will be very pleased. ACT NOW!!!*