Antique Burr Walnut Brass Mounted Strongbox Coffre Fort 19th C

This is a magnificent antique burr walnut and cut brass mounted strongbox with strapwork hinges and clasped corners, dating from the early 19th Century.

This splendid strongbox is rectangular in shape and features impressive brass strapwork throughout. It has a pair of elaborate ormolu handles  so that the box can easily be moved and it feature stunning cut brass strapwork. The elaborate fittings should prevent the box from damage during long travels.

Centrally there is an escutcheon that can be opened to reveal a key hole. The front panel can be unlocked and when the lid is lifted, one gets access to the storage space.

 

There is no mistaking its unique quality, design, and distinctiveness, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector.

 

Condition:

In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 17 cm x Width 28.5 cm x Depth 19.5 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 7 inches x Width 11 inches x Depth 8 inches

A strongbox or strong box / coffre fort 

is a sturdy box with a lock for storing valuables. 

Walnut & Burr Walnut

Walnut is a hard, dense, tight- grained wood that polishes to a very smooth finish. It is a popular and attractive wood whose colour ranges from near white in the sapwood to a dark hew in the heartwood. When dried in a kiln, walnut wood tends to develop a dull brown colour, but when air-dried can become a rich purplish-brown. Because of its colour, hardness and grain, it is a prized furniture and carving wood. Walnut veneer was highly priced and the cost would reflect the ‘fanciness’ of the veneer – the more decorative, then the more expensive and desirable.

Burr walnut refers to the swirling figure present in nearly all walnut when cut and polished, and especially in the wood taken from the base of the tree where it joins the roots. However the true burr is a rare growth on the tree where hundreds of tiny branches have started to grow. Burr walnut produces some of the most complex and beautiful figuring you can find.

Walnut "burrs" were often used to make fabulous furniture.  Veneer sliced from walnut burl is one of the most valuable and highly prized by cabinet makers and prestige car manufacturers and is also a favourite material for shotgun stocks.

Our reference: A4559