{"product_id":"antique-locking-casket-with-original-key-decorative-metal-treasure-box","title":"Antique Locking Casket with Original Key | Decorative Metal Treasure Box | Circa Early 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"154\" data-end=\"185\"\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"913\" data-start=\"886\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"896\" data-start=\"886\"\u003eRegion: \u003c\/strong\u003eEastern Europe\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"927\" data-start=\"915\"\u003eMaterial: \u003c\/strong\u003eIron straps and fittings over wood core with gilt metal “frost” patterned panels, textile-lined interior\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1046\" data-start=\"1036\"\u003ePeriod: \u003c\/strong\u003eEarly 19th Century, circa 1800–1830\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1460\" data-start=\"1086\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1101\" data-start=\"1086\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1460\" data-start=\"1086\"\u003eA striking and rare early 19th-century Eastern European iron-bound casket, constructed with a wooden core reinforced by hand-forged iron straps and decorative rivets. The exterior is clad in distinctive gilt metal panels displaying a mottled “frost” or tortoiseshell-style pattern, giving the chest a rich golden appearance with natural age patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1713\" data-start=\"1462\"\u003eThe lid is fitted with a substantial arched carrying handle mounted on iron brackets, while the front features a traditional keyhole escutcheon and working lock mechanism. The box retains its original iron key, and the lock functions properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2019\" data-start=\"1715\"\u003eDecorative pierced metal corner motifs embellish the lid panels, adding an additional layer of craftsmanship and visual interest. Inside, the box retains remnants of its original patterned textile lining, further suggesting its use as a jewelry casket, valuables chest, or personal strongbox.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2332\" data-start=\"2021\"\u003eBoxes of this form were commonly used throughout Central and Eastern Europe in the early 19th century to safeguard personal possessions, documents, coins, or family heirlooms. Their durable iron construction and decorative metal coverings made them both practical and aesthetically impressive household objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2572\" data-start=\"2560\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2696\" data-start=\"2636\"\u003e- Decorated with gilt mottled “frost” pattern metal panels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2751\" data-start=\"2699\"\u003e- Hand-forged iron straps and riveted construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2803\" data-start=\"2754\"\u003e- Decorative pierced metal motifs on lid panels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2836\" data-start=\"2806\"\u003e- Original iron key included\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2865\" data-start=\"2839\"\u003e- Working lock mechanism\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2910\" data-start=\"2868\"\u003e- Interior retains period textile lining\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2962\" data-start=\"2913\"\u003e- Attractive aged patina and historic character\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3401\" data-start=\"2964\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3401\" data-start=\"2964\"\u003eIron-bound chests and caskets were widely used across Europe from the 17th through 19th centuries as secure containers for valuables. In Eastern Europe, smaller portable versions such as this were commonly used for jewelry, dowry items, coins, or important documents. Their heavy iron reinforcement provided security, while decorative metal panels reflected the regional metalworking traditions of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3705\" data-start=\"3403\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3705\" data-start=\"3403\"\u003eVery good antique condition. The box shows expected wear and patina consistent with age, including oxidation to the iron fittings and natural aging to the gilt metal panels. The interior textile lining shows age-related wear. The lock remains functional and the original key is present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3776\" data-start=\"3707\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3721\" data-start=\"3707\"\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3776\" data-start=\"3707\"\u003eWidth: 6 in\u003cbr data-end=\"3742\" data-start=\"3739\"\u003eDepth: 4 in\u003cbr data-end=\"3760\" data-start=\"3757\"\u003eHeight: 3 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3819\" data-start=\"3778\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3785\" data-start=\"3778\"\u003eAge \u003cstrong data-end=\"3721\" data-start=\"3707\"\u003e(Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3819\" data-start=\"3778\"\u003e190–220 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover historic European decorative arts and metalwork through the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Highlights – The Metropolitan Museum of Art\" href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search?department=European+Sculpture+and+Decorative+Arts\u0026amp;showOnly=highlights\u0026amp;offset=0\"\u003eMetropolitan Museum of Art Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our curated \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/19th-century-1800-1899-artifacts\" title=\"View 19th Century Artifacts at Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003e19th Century Artifacts Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52123041431874,"sku":null,"price":750.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/eastern-european-iron-bound-jewelry-casket-gilt-frost-panels-19th-century.png?v=1772637772","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/es\/products\/antique-locking-casket-with-original-key-decorative-metal-treasure-box","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}