Rare Pair Of Italian Iron Strong Boxes.

An extremely rare pair of Regency cast-iron sarcophagus shaped strong boxes. Regency, circa 1820 Painted to simulate palisander wood and with parcel-gilt, the cavetto-moulded hinged lids cast with flower sprays above foliate-cast bands over front panels relieved with river gods within canted corners cast with standing muses, the sides with lion mask and ring handles over leafy aprons on massive lion’s paw feet; the Brahmah type lock stamped “T. Davis from London” and impressed with the Royal Crown. These extraordinary pieces are modelled on Regency wine coolers. The forms are classic Greco-Roman revival with the boat-hook handles, mythic figures and the overall sarcophagus pattern. You would struggle to find one let alone a pair. Good items for any collection. Research on going into these strong boxes but we have found possible information on the lock stamped Davis….(historyoflocks ) The relationship of King George III and George Davis of Windsor, who was locksmith in ordinary to His Majesty. Davis, in 1799, invented and patented a unique style of lock, which was also beautifully engraved with a warning not to make duplicate keys. Sensitive government secrets always demanded, then as today, locks that were state of the art. Davis locks ended up on government dispatch boxes...

The top of this box has a lift out top panel with a shaped brass escutcheon plate. The sides and front have shaped raised panels. There are shrinkage separations throughout.

A simple pine British Campaign box with traditional drop handles to the front and sides. Top lifts at the center for roomy storage. Would look right at th...

Iron strong box treasure chest, nicely crafted case and mechanism.

A pine blanket box, painted deep red, with cast iron drop handles to each side and a small internal utility section with its own lid. The interior of this piece is very clean and the overall condition is good. Perfect for the end of the bed or as a fun coffee table.

- Charming and characterful nautical design - Depicting a fleet of five galleons or warships at anchor in a bay with three men in a dingy rowing ashore on the top - The front with ...