lock box

[captain ack1]

i acquired a metal lock box lately and it seems to be made of hammered pewter or similar material size is 5by3 by 3.5 inches including the four feet. a lock on top with no key, with moveable handle on the top. it is riveted together and locked. i googled it but cant seem to find anything like it. fax died so no pix yet anyway. any info on this would be appreciated. could be 16th, 17th or 18th century??

[captain ack1]

well ...made a key and box is open...its a bridal box 16th century...with coat of arms on one side...for the 16th century its got an intricate locking system..anyone got a clue what its worth made of hammered metal and riveted together...

[stefen]

Pictures would be helpful

[captain ack1]

heres the pics...any idea what this 16th century bridal box is worth

[Monty]

Wodw! That's an incredibly strong locking mechanism on that little box. Guess the maker didn't think about someone just carrying off the whole darn box? Neat find. Monty

[stefen]

Assuming the box is a 'Bridal Box' the limited research shows about every size, shape and material imaginable. Metal, ivory, wood, soapstone...you name it, and its to be found.

Apparently, its a old european Judeo-Christain tradition...A Tzedakah, for instance, becomes a jewel box.

Other boxes are trunk size and are used to contain a trouseau...

These boxes are generally hand made as a craft and not necessarily purchased in a store...

So, therefore, your metal box may have been made by a family member for the bride, the maker possibly being a metal worker (maybe an apprentice) considering the crude quality
of workmanship.


How about some history of where you obtained the box and trhe like.

[captain ack1]

part of an estate that the father died recently a note inside said it was a bridal box 16th century written by the deceased father ...the family went back and forth to europe to the US...probably obtainedin an antique shop over there...no key came with it ...when it was opened a piece of the old key had snapped off so i guess everyone gave up on it...until i came along and mcivered it...thats the story...whats it worth

[stefen]

Not sure who would be qualified to appraise this family heirloom...The British equilivant to the Road Show maybe...

[petersra]

Interesting Box. I am sure you googled it a dozen times as did I. I did not find anything that looked close to what you have. Seems like each one is uniquely made for the bride to be. http://www.csnstores.com/Authentic-M...on-X11864.html I did find this one in hand painted wood form $200 - $250. I like the deer and unicorn characters on your box. Not sure what the third character is suppose to be on the other face of the box. I have no doubt there are folks who collect "Bridal Boxes" since they have been around for a while in Europe. I would think what you have could bring in the hundreds of dollars to the right competing customers in an ebay auction setting. http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=16t....c0.m270.l1313 This page on ebay lists 16th century boxes from $16 - $2,000, but they appear to be more finely detailed than what you have, so yours may not bring a lot, . If it doesn't have sentimental value to you, give it a shot on ebay. Nice find for sure.

[captain ack1]

thanks for trying ralph...dont quite know what to do now...i dont do ebay anymore...dont trust them folks... anyway im still hunting for gold in the h20..little stuff nothing notable..guess after the star sapphire[worth $1400] im spoiled now...anyway good luck ,your next for the big gold...hh dave

[ANTIQUARIAN]

I feel that this piece is more likely 17th century than 16th.
The detail is more indicative of the 1600's. Have you sold this box yet?
If not let me know if you're willing to sell it privately and at what price point?

Thanks,
Dave

[captain ack1]

yes i still have the lockbox...im currently filling it with jewels from the rings that I've sent to be melted down....price is a tough question...im not going to give it away....this box is apparently quite rare as i have searched around and cant find any like it...so if your interested we are talking 4 to 5 figures...i envision someone buying it and using it again as a gift for a bride to be as it was intended....so if your interested make a serious offer as it might go to auction in the near future.....thanks .....HH

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Thank you for your response Captain. I agree, this box is unusual and probably rare due to it's diminutive size. Although I feel your idea of it's real value is a bit exaggerated due to your enthusiasm.

Please don't get me wrong, I do feel that this piece is worth in the range of $1,000 - $2,000 at auction. But, as for your evaluation of $10,000 I think that if you were to have the initials on the front researched and could trace it's provenance then it certainly could bring more in a serious auction.

As for selling it through eBay . . . I'd stay away from that.

It's a great piece and if it were mine, I'd hold onto it.

Cheers,
David