An Iron Strongbox, And Three Steel Strongboxes, The First 17th Century, Probably German, The Second All 19th Century

The first of rectangular form and heavy construction, the mechanism (locked) operated by a key (missing) through a central keyhole with sprung rectangular cover, hinged front straps engaging with staples on the lid, the sides and lid reinforced with wide riveted straps forming a trellis, the front with dummy keyhole plate embossed and pierced as a floret, and writhen drop handle on each side; the second each of rectangular form and heavy construction, the hinged lids and sides with re-entrant panels, and with drop handles, two painted dark green and one painted black (the latter with minor paint chips), all unlocked and one retaining its key (4)
60 cm. wide X 36 cm. deep X 34.5 cm. high and 46 cm. wide X 31 cm. deep X 31 cm. high

Provenance
The Mark and Peter Dineley Collections