Object Description
A rare German Renaissance armoured iron coffret, dating to c.1580–1620, Southern Germany, likely Nuremberg, a centre renowned for the production of sophisticated ironwork and complex security mechanisms during the late Renaissance period.
The rectangular coffret is constructed of iron panels held by armoured and hand-forged wrought iron straps, secured with heavy rivets and ornamented with quatrefoil-headed studs. The front panel retains original polychrome decoration, depicting two winged figures, one with a halo, rendered in contemporary late Renaissance dress, including ruffled collars, flanking a faux central lock plate.
The sides and back are painted with stylised flowers and scrolling foliage, and the coffret is fitted with forged loop carrying handles mounted on quatrefoil-shaped plates at either end. The hinged lid is centred by the key aperture, originally operating an internal sprung locking mechanism, the remains of which survive within. The interior retains its original painted finish.
Iron coffrets of this type were used for the secure storage of money, documents and other small valuables, and examples surviving with original painted decoration and complex locking systems are increasingly scarce.