Iron-Bound Strongbox | Spain or Portugal | 16th–17th Century Style

$3,500.00
$3,500.00
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19th-century Iberian wrought-iron strongbox with brass studs and interior dated plaque, heavy patina and historic wear
360-degree rotating view of a heavy wrought-iron Iberian strongbox dated 1840, showing studded strapwork exterior, patina, missing side handle, interior brass plaque, green paint remnants, and functioning lid with chain.
Antique Spanish or Portuguese iron-bound strong chest with riveted strapwork, brass details, and original painted interior traces
1840-dated Iberian strongbox in Renaissance style with heavy iron construction, brass studs, and robust security design
European wrought-iron strongbox with decorative studded panels, missing handle on one side, and authentic aged patina
Historic Iberian merchant or banking strong chest with brass inscription plaque, riveted iron plates, and interior till compartment
Antique iron security chest with grid-pattern strapwork, domed rivets, oxidation throughout, and functional lid and chain
Spanish or Portuguese 19th-century iron strongbox inspired by 16th–17th century designs, with interior green paint remnants
Heavy wrought-iron strongbox with brass plaque reading “Año 1840,” decorative studs, and signs of extensive working life use
Collectors’ Iberian strongbox with iron plating, reinforced strapwork, brass studs, and visibly aged authentic patina
Museum-quality Iberian iron-bound strong chest showing oxidation, pitting, repairs, and beautifully preserved structural form
Renaissance-style iron strongbox with brass inscription plaque, raised front compartment, and historic European craftsmanship
Authentic antique iron security chest with one surviving forged handle, interior chain, and thick riveted construction
Rare Iberian strongbox with decorative ironwork, brass fittings, original working elements, and centuries-old character
  • 19th-century Iberian wrought-iron strongbox with brass studs and interior dated plaque, heavy patina and historic wear
  • 360-degree rotating view of a heavy wrought-iron Iberian strongbox dated 1840, showing studded strapwork exterior, patina, missing side handle, interior brass plaque, green paint remnants, and functioning lid with chain.
  • Antique Spanish or Portuguese iron-bound strong chest with riveted strapwork, brass details, and original painted interior traces
  • 1840-dated Iberian strongbox in Renaissance style with heavy iron construction, brass studs, and robust security design
  • European wrought-iron strongbox with decorative studded panels, missing handle on one side, and authentic aged patina
  • Historic Iberian merchant or banking strong chest with brass inscription plaque, riveted iron plates, and interior till compartment
  • Antique iron security chest with grid-pattern strapwork, domed rivets, oxidation throughout, and functional lid and chain
  • Spanish or Portuguese 19th-century iron strongbox inspired by 16th–17th century designs, with interior green paint remnants
  • Heavy wrought-iron strongbox with brass plaque reading “Año 1840,” decorative studs, and signs of extensive working life use
  • Collectors’ Iberian strongbox with iron plating, reinforced strapwork, brass studs, and visibly aged authentic patina
  • Museum-quality Iberian iron-bound strong chest showing oxidation, pitting, repairs, and beautifully preserved structural form
  • Renaissance-style iron strongbox with brass inscription plaque, raised front compartment, and historic European craftsmanship
  • Authentic antique iron security chest with one surviving forged handle, interior chain, and thick riveted construction
  • Rare Iberian strongbox with decorative ironwork, brass fittings, original working elements, and centuries-old character
19th-century Iberian wrought-iron strongbox with brass studs and interior dated plaque, heavy patina and historic wear
360-degree rotating view of a heavy wrought-iron Iberian strongbox dated 1840, showing studded strapwork exterior, patina, missing side handle, interior brass plaque, green paint remnants, and functioning lid with chain.
Antique Spanish or Portuguese iron-bound strong chest with riveted strapwork, brass details, and original painted interior traces
1840-dated Iberian strongbox in Renaissance style with heavy iron construction, brass studs, and robust security design
European wrought-iron strongbox with decorative studded panels, missing handle on one side, and authentic aged patina
Historic Iberian merchant or banking strong chest with brass inscription plaque, riveted iron plates, and interior till compartment
Antique iron security chest with grid-pattern strapwork, domed rivets, oxidation throughout, and functional lid and chain
Spanish or Portuguese 19th-century iron strongbox inspired by 16th–17th century designs, with interior green paint remnants
Heavy wrought-iron strongbox with brass plaque reading “Año 1840,” decorative studs, and signs of extensive working life use
Collectors’ Iberian strongbox with iron plating, reinforced strapwork, brass studs, and visibly aged authentic patina
Museum-quality Iberian iron-bound strong chest showing oxidation, pitting, repairs, and beautifully preserved structural form
Renaissance-style iron strongbox with brass inscription plaque, raised front compartment, and historic European craftsmanship
Authentic antique iron security chest with one surviving forged handle, interior chain, and thick riveted construction
Rare Iberian strongbox with decorative ironwork, brass fittings, original working elements, and centuries-old character

Iron-Bound Strongbox | Spain or Portugal | 16th–17th Century Style

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Iberian Peninsula (Spain or Portugal)
Material: Wrought iron with brass studs and brass inscription plaque, internal painted iron panels
Period: Dated 1840 (16th–17th Century Style) 

Description

This impressive iron-bound strongbox was designed in the tradition of 16th–17th century European strong chests. The exterior is completely sheathed in thick wrought-iron plates laid out in a grid and reinforced with horizontal and vertical strapwork, each panel secured with domed rivets and decorative brass studs.

Lifting the heavy lid reveals a simple but robust interior with thick iron walls, traces of original green paint. A chain secures the lid to one side, and the interior brass plaque – with archaic Spanish/Portuguese-style lettering – suggests an official or commercial use, perhaps for securing funds, documents, or valuables in a merchant, banking, shipping, or administrative context.

The box retains one original forged iron carrying handle to one side; the opposite handle is now missing. Old repairs and reinforcements are visible around the underside and back edge, testifying to long use and practical maintenance over time.

Features

- Heavy iron strongbox constructed entirely of wrought-iron plate and strapwork

- Decorative layout of riveted panels with domed brass studs throughout

- Interior brass plaque reading approximately “MARCA DE NUEBA YMBENSIÓN. AÑO 1840. N. 7.” (archaic spelling, roughly “mark of new invention, year 1840, no. 7”)

- Thick iron walls with remnants of green interior paint

- Original forged iron ring handle to one side (other handle now missing)

- Substantial weight and presence, designed for security and durability

Cultural Significance

Strongboxes such as this were essential security furnishings in Europe from the Renaissance through the 19th century, used by merchants, bankers, ship captains, and administrators to safeguard coin, bullion, contracts, and sensitive documents.

The heavy strapwork, studded panels, and ring handles recall Renaissance strong chests, while the 1840-dated interior plaque reflects contemporary interest in patenting or marking new “inventions” and security mechanisms. Pieces like this illustrate the continuity of trade, finance, and security practices over centuries, and make a powerful statement. 

Condition

Overall good antique, well-used condition consistent with age and heavy functional use. The iron surfaces display extensive patina, oxidation, and pitting throughout, reflecting long and legitimate service life. One original side handle remains intact while the opposite handle is missing. Visible old repairs and patching are present, particularly along the underside and back, including soldered or filled areas. Expected wear, dents, and surface losses are evident, with the interior showing rusting and flaking remnants of earlier green paint. Hinges and lid remain functional, and the interior chain is intact. Structurally stable and sound for display, this piece retains strong authenticity and the evocative “working life” character collectors value.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Length: 18.5 in
Width: 11.75 in
Height: 13.75 in 

Age

Dated 1840 (16th–17th Century Style) 

Learn More

Discover the historical development and cultural role of security chests and coffer traditions over time in this feature on Guardians of Goods and Time: A Historical Look at Oak Coffers

Explore more authentic maritime, scientific, and security-related relics in our curated Maritime & Scientific Relics Collection

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Iberian Peninsula (Spain or Portugal)
Material: Wrought iron with brass studs and brass inscription plaque, internal painted iron panels
Period: Dated 1840 (16th–17th Century Style) 

Description

This impressive iron-bound strongbox was designed in the tradition of 16th–17th century European strong chests. The exterior is completely sheathed in thick wrought-iron plates laid out in a grid and reinforced with horizontal and vertical strapwork, each panel secured with domed rivets and decorative brass studs.

Lifting the heavy lid reveals a simple but robust interior with thick iron walls, traces of original green paint. A chain secures the lid to one side, and the interior brass plaque – with archaic Spanish/Portuguese-style lettering – suggests an official or commercial use, perhaps for securing funds, documents, or valuables in a merchant, banking, shipping, or administrative context.

The box retains one original forged iron carrying handle to one side; the opposite handle is now missing. Old repairs and reinforcements are visible around the underside and back edge, testifying to long use and practical maintenance over time.

Features

- Heavy iron strongbox constructed entirely of wrought-iron plate and strapwork

- Decorative layout of riveted panels with domed brass studs throughout

- Interior brass plaque reading approximately “MARCA DE NUEBA YMBENSIÓN. AÑO 1840. N. 7.” (archaic spelling, roughly “mark of new invention, year 1840, no. 7”)

- Thick iron walls with remnants of green interior paint

- Original forged iron ring handle to one side (other handle now missing)

- Substantial weight and presence, designed for security and durability

Cultural Significance

Strongboxes such as this were essential security furnishings in Europe from the Renaissance through the 19th century, used by merchants, bankers, ship captains, and administrators to safeguard coin, bullion, contracts, and sensitive documents.

The heavy strapwork, studded panels, and ring handles recall Renaissance strong chests, while the 1840-dated interior plaque reflects contemporary interest in patenting or marking new “inventions” and security mechanisms. Pieces like this illustrate the continuity of trade, finance, and security practices over centuries, and make a powerful statement. 

Condition

Overall good antique, well-used condition consistent with age and heavy functional use. The iron surfaces display extensive patina, oxidation, and pitting throughout, reflecting long and legitimate service life. One original side handle remains intact while the opposite handle is missing. Visible old repairs and patching are present, particularly along the underside and back, including soldered or filled areas. Expected wear, dents, and surface losses are evident, with the interior showing rusting and flaking remnants of earlier green paint. Hinges and lid remain functional, and the interior chain is intact. Structurally stable and sound for display, this piece retains strong authenticity and the evocative “working life” character collectors value.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Length: 18.5 in
Width: 11.75 in
Height: 13.75 in 

Age

Dated 1840 (16th–17th Century Style) 

Learn More

Discover the historical development and cultural role of security chests and coffer traditions over time in this feature on Guardians of Goods and Time: A Historical Look at Oak Coffers

Explore more authentic maritime, scientific, and security-related relics in our curated Maritime & Scientific Relics Collection

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