1936 Chest

1936) MASSIVE MUSEUM QUALITY HIGHLY DECORATED NUREMBERG STRONGBOX CIRCA 1650: I have never seen a bigger, more massive, and elegant Nuremberg strongbox (often incorrectly called an Armada chest) in any museum or collection in 40 years! This chest is ENORMOUS! This is a unique and rare opportunity. When you walk into a room, this stunning masterpiece catches your interest and draws you like a magnet. It will leave you in awe! It’s the first thing people will walk up to you in astonishment and ask you about.

Introduction: The Nuremberg strongbox ( also called a coffer or Armada chest) was initially designed for the Nobility and the wealthy to store their money and valuables. Eventually, it was also adopted by wealthy travelers, but to a lesser degree. With the passage of time, these Renaissance strongboxes have eventually found their way into contemporary homes as decorative and conversational pieces of furniture.

Discussion: This strongbox is estimated to be a very early example of a Nuremberg manufacture because of its elegance, weight, design, and superior craftsmanship. As Nuremberg strongboxes developed, a very sophisticated locking mechanism that locks on all sides of the lid developed as well. Most of these strongboxes were made in Nuremberg, with a much smaller production in Augsburg. Nuremberg strongboxes were the first chests forged completely in sheet iron and reinforced with intersecting strips and fittings made of iron/steel. During this period, the Italians were making their money chests out 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: Constructed with an iron-clad grilled and gilded exterior that is secured with flower-head shaped rivets, and forged vine decorations to augment the exterior, the sides with forged handles, the hinged lid opens to a complex multi-gear lock mechanism covered by a foliate pierced brass gilded grille.

Condition: Very good. It was refreshed to its original museum standards. Replacement key.

Dimensions: 25″ high x 45″ wide x 26.5″ deep. Weight is in excess of 200 pounds!

Conclusion: This Nuremberg strongbox is ENORMOUS! It’s also highly elegant, superbly constructed, and a great conversation piece. I have never seen one bigger. Most Arms and Armor collectors own an Nuremberg chest, but nowhere near as big as this one. They are great for displaying helmets and other collectibles. They give any Arms and Armor collection that armory feel and look. This is a rare opportunity. ACT-NOW I have never had one this big or elegant in the past and will probably never get another again!

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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!!!*

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