An Impressive 19th Century Amada Style Chest, Strong Box

A large and incredibly impressive antique 'Armada' Style Steel Chest. Most likely dating to the middle of the 19th Century, perhaps earlier, it features a substantial locking mechanism which remains fully operational - giving a satisfying 'clunk' when the massive 6" key is turned. It is of heavy iron construction with riveted strapwork reinforcement. To the inside is a separate compartment, The intriguing Initials S M, Possibly Samuel Ward McAllister 100cm x 53cm x 49cm high. It is extremely heavy, weighing approximately 180kg.

Dating back to an era long before modern banking, safety deposit boxes and burglar alarms, ownership of these 'Armada' Chests would have been the only for the richest, upper echelons of society - a place to safeguard accumulated wealth, money, important documents and other riches. The term 'Armada' was coined by the Victorians, who imagined strong boxes such as this being laden with Spanish gold! In reality, far from having anything to do with the Spanish Armada, this type of strong box was developed by the Germans in the 17th century.