Rob Hall Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
His father was the 2nd Marquess, James Brownlow William Gascoyne-Cecil, 2nd Marquess of Salisbury (1791-1868) was also a British politician and the Lord Privy seal in 1852. As the chest held the papers of the Marquess of Salisbury it is likely it saw service for both the 2nd Earl and the 3rd Earl, the British Prime Minister, in the 19th century. Such 'deed chests' were often held in solicitor's offices on the large country estate holding important papers inside the metal chest.
Whilst a number of deed chests exist, few have such distinguished connections on the open market. The paint is original as is the lettering - the spelling of 'Marquess' as 'Marquis' was sometimes used and is more often a French spelling, and may be an quirk of the person who painted the chest. Losses to paint including top.
Measuring: 46 cm across, 27 cm high, 33.5 cm deep
English, mid 19th century
Rob Hall Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Rob Hall Antiques Profile Page
A 19th Century Deed Box for the Marquess of Salisbury in Untouched Original Paint
