1683 Armorial Chest, Stuart Royal Arms, Iron-Mounted Hide

PRICE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Ca. 1600–1700 CE. Western Europe, ca. 17th century CE. armorial chest, its wooden body covered in hide and mounted with wrought-iron strap hinges, side ring handles, and corner reinforcements. The arched lid and front are bordered with rows of domed brass tacks forming the date “1683.” The slanted body profile was designed to display the interior painting when opened.
Inside, the lid retains its original painted canvas lining: a heraldic tableau with figures holding banners and shields, including a double-headed eagle, an imperial and Holy Roman emblem, flanking a crowned shield bearing the Stuart royal arms encircled by the Order of the Garter motto, “Honi soit qui mal y pense.” Size: 21″ L x 8.5″ W x 10″ H (53.3 cm x 21.6 cm x 25.4 cm) Size: 8.5″ W x 10″ H x 21″ D (21.6 cm W x 25.4 cm H x 53.3 cm D).

Provenance: private Zionsville, Indiana USA collection

Condition: Wear as expected with age and material, but good condition. Loss to lock plate. Old inactive insect activity and holes to the hide and wood. Losse to hide revealing wood and iron below. Losses to some brass tacks, with indentations and chips. Dark patina to irons and brass. Lid is attached to hinges and opens smoothly. Fading, discoloration, and stains to the interior. Some of the motto is indiscernible but most of the painting is intact.