German Baroque Period Wooden Dowry Chest Dated 1690

CC-0261 | German Baroque Period Wooden Dowry Chest Dated 1690
Material: Wood, Iron strapping and fittings
Art: Painted on pigments
Size: 27.5″ x 48″ x 23″ (70 x 122 x 58 cm)
Provenance: Philadelphia Estate
Country of Origin: Germany

Description: This wonderfully preserved wooden dowry chest is an extreme rarity in the world of 17th century chests. Wooden chests like these often rotted and fell apart from years of regular use. The paint on this piece is remarkably intact showing two family crests on the front, with fading Old German lettering of their family names. “ANNO 1690” can be seen on the front as well denoting the year the couple was married who received this chest. Very old and correct to period square nails were used in its construction and can be seen underneath the lid. Iron hasps are intact and in good working order. A key once accompanied this chest, but the mechanism has long been damaged and the key is not present. Very common for these chests. The condition is excellent compared to similar surviving examples. This is a wonderful piece of history that deserves to be cherished for generations to come.

For more amazing pieces of history and chests like this, check out Tortuga Trading!