SOLD

A Medieval Oak And Iron Bound Clamp Front Chest.

A real privilege to handle as these chests rarely come to market.

An early 16th century oak and iron bound clamp front chest .Most probably Westphalian although a similar example can be seen in Musee des Arts Decoratif Paris where it is Described as French.

Unlike the late 16th century Westphalian Chests that often come up for sale this example is lower with wider stile (clamp) ends and most importantly shaped cut out feet as opposed to longer vertical feet with carvings above the foot. .

This standing chest is of clamp-front construction, extensively decorated with long, ironwork straps with trefoil finials which ’wrap’ around the chest edges. These are fixed with convex head nails: running vertically up the front sixteen straps; running around both sides, seven C-shape horizontal straps; running from the back to the front of the lid twentyfive long straps. In addition, running along the edges of the lid at the front and sides is a plain iron band, close-nailed.

Also an extremely rare feature is that on the front beneath the lockplate and partly incorporated in the vertical straps is MDIXI which in Roman numerals is 1509 .1 ,which i presume as i have researched and can not find anything similar is the date 1509 and 1 for the month of January ,the research i have undertaken i would date the chest to 1500 so 1509 is a plausible date.

The Lockplate is quite plain in comparrison to the rest of the ironwork again another indication of this being an earlier chest.

The lid is very heavy and is supported on four substantial iron strap hinges two that extend right down the back of the chest. Inside the chest at the left end is a shallow, oak till retaining its original lockplate with associated lid.

In good condition the back feet have been tipped and the original base is covered with 16th century tapestry fragments (these can be removed if not required).

Price on application.

73" Wide

25.5" Deep

25" High.

Please let me know if you require more or specific images or links to similar chests that have sold.