Rare painted pine marriage chest or coffer from Southern Germany c.1860. Of unusual form with a steep sloping top (intended as as a saddle stand perhaps) and tapering sides. Simply constructed from pine boards with heavy external iron bindings, hinges, hasps and carry handles. Lovely medieval revivalist paintwork featuring two sets of initials and two heraldic crests (heavily worn), and with flower buds and leaves sprouting from the decorative painted borders on the front, sides and lid. With an applied leather trim to the lid with scalloped edge and metal studwork. Some obvious wear and repair to the leather and minor damage to the timber on left hand edge of the lid. Otherwise very good condition, cleaned and waxed in our workshops.Note there is an unpainted oak box of very similar style listed in the collection of the Nuremberg National Museum and catalogued as being 15th.c. It is possible this is in fact a much earlier box with 19th.c. paintwork.Width: 54'' (137 cm)Heig...