{"meta":{"version":"2.1","_links":{"self":{"href":"https://api.vam.ac.uk/v2/object/O370334"},"collection_page":{"href":"https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O370334/"}},"images":{"_primary_thumbnail":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2015HY1844/full/!100,100/0/default.jpg","_iiif_image":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2015HY1844/","_alt_iiif_image":[],"imageResolution":"high","_images_meta":[{"assetRef":"2015HY1844","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1801","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1802","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1803","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1804","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1806","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1816","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1818","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1820","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1821","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1823","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1840","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1841","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1842","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2015HY1843","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2019LM7785","copyright":"©Victoria & Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false}]},"see_also":{"_iiif_pres":"https://iiif.vam.ac.uk/collections/O370334/manifest.json","_alt_iiif_pres":[]}},"record":{"systemNumber":"O370334","accessionNumber":"W.13-1966","objectType":"Strongbox","titles":[],"summaryDescription":"This box appears decorative, but it was also very difficult to break open or steal. It has a strong lock and two bolts concealed in the sides, so that it could be screwed down into floorboards if necessary. Its owner probably used it when travelling to keep valuable items secure. Inside, hidden  compartments (a standard feature of the  boxes) also added an additional layer of security for small items such as a folded paper or jewels, against those unaware of their location.\r\n\r\nStrong-boxes such as this  were luxury objects. They  were apparently sold by  cabinet- makers who  would have constructed  and veneered the  carcase, often using  tropical  hardwood  veneers, and mounted it  with sets of mounts,  handles and locks bought  in from  brass founders.  The elaborate veneering  and conspicuous brass  mounts show that the   appearance of these  objects was important, as  does the enhancement of  the grain of the  veneer  both inside and outside in  this example. Some,  were  displayed on purpose- made  gilt-wood stands,  soon after, if not at the  time of purchase, indicating that they were items  of display as  well as practicality.","physicalDescription":"Rectangular veneered wood strongbox with metal mounts, handles, twin floor-bolts and lock, containing two drawers and 5 concealed compartments.\n\nConstruction\nThe body of the box is of oak, the static front, back and sides apparently formed from boards grained side to side, which are joined at a mortise and long tenon joint. The bottom board appears to be a floating oak panel held in grooves in the static front, back and sides. The exterior parts (except the bottom) are veneered, the back apparently with oak, the other parts with a figured wood, oyster cut, such as princes wood (aka king wood) (0-7 - 1.5mm thick), but some graining may have been used to enhance these. Currently there is extensive darkening around the brass mounts (probably from brass polish).\n\nThe body of the box has one dust board (forming the floor of the main internal compartment) above two wide drawers, between which, in the form of a vertical divider is a removeable, concealed compartment, made of oak with a veneered front (a reddish, strongly figured tropical hard wood, possibly princes wood). Cut into the static front board are two openings in each of which is concealed a removeable compartment. These are concealed behind a removeable dovetail-shape (one veneered oak, one replacement in solid hardwood).\n\nThe lid is presumed to be in the form of a joined frame, faced (inside and out) with a board [but this needs careful checking], leaving an interior space. The underside of the lid is fitted with a hinged, bolted flap which opens on an aperture, presumably for papers. On either side of this aperture is a removeable section of mitred moulding which conceals a plain oak compartment that slides into the body of the lid, and that is fitted with a silk pull held on an iron nail.\n\nThe two drawers are of oak, grained red and black, presumably to match the tropical hardwood veneers, with a veneered front, and with a single silk pull held by a peg. They are dovetailed at the front (and apparently at the back with one large dovetail though this is difficult to see), with the bottom board (grained front to back) glued into rebates in the sides and back. One appears to have been restored.\n\nThe secret compartments are of glued, butted oak (about 2mm thick), plain except for any show surfaces which are veneered; some have sliding lids.\n\nThe hinged fall-front appears to be an oak board which sits within two 'stile battens' applied to the static front. It is held closed by an internal sliding, brass bolt.\n\nMetalwork\nThe exterior of the box is mounted with 4 types of brassy mount: \nalong the arris edges are lengths of right-angle with trefoil leaves held with metal pins;\nlarge, openwork mounts attached to the hinges of the fall-front, the lid and two static mounts on each side (which terminate in plain bands on the non-show surfaces); fixed with metal pins in the openwork, and in the wider parts with internal bolts and external flower-heads;\ntwo cast brass(?) carrying handles, one on each side, held on split-end straps secured internally with metal pins;\na shaped lockplate (with both solid and openwork), to which is fitted a similar hasp which runs into the middle hinge to the lid; the fitting of the lockplate has required the trimming of the edge mounts at the bottom;\n\nIn each side panel a long vertical floor-bolt is fitted in the centre, which would have operated with a T-bar (missing).","artistMakerPerson":[],"artistMakerOrganisations":[],"artistMakerPeople":[],"materials":[{"text":"oak","id":"AAT12264"}],"techniques":[{"text":"veneering","id":"AAT53878"}],"materialsAndTechniques":"Oak and a tropical hardwood, possibly princes wood","categories":[{"text":"Containers","id":"THES48972"},{"text":"Woodwork","id":"THES48877"},{"text":"Medieval and renaissance","id":"THES271264"}],"styles":[],"collectionCode":{"text":"FWK","id":"THES48597"},"images":["2015HY1844","2015HY1801","2015HY1802","2015HY1803","2015HY1804","2015HY1806","2015HY1816","2015HY1818","2015HY1820","2015HY1821","2015HY1823","2015HY1840","2015HY1841","2015HY1842","2015HY1843","2019LM7785"],"imageResolution":"high","galleryLocations":[{"current":{"text":"004","id":"THES299179"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""}],"partTypes":[[{"text":"Strongbox","id":""}]],"contentWarnings":[{"apprise":"","note":""}],"placesOfOrigin":[{"place":{"text":"London","id":"x28980"},"association":{"text":"","id":""},"note":"possibly"}],"productionDates":[{"date":{"text":"1680-1700","earliest":"1680-01-01","latest":"1700-12-31"},"association":{"text":"<processes and techniques by specific type>","id":"AAT53003"},"note":""}],"associatedObjects":[],"creditLine":"Given by Brigadier W. E. Clark CMG, DSO through Art Fund","dimensions":[{"dimension":"Height","value":"28.5","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Width","value":"51","unit":"cm","qualifier":"including handles","date":{"text":"20/10/2011","earliest":"2011-10-20","latest":"2011-10-20"},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Depth","value":"29.5","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""}],"dimensionsNote":"Measured by NH 20/10/2011","marksAndInscriptions":[],"objectHistory":"Given by Brigadier W.E. Clark, C.M.G., D.S.C., Elmstead House, Chislehurst, Kent, through the Art Fund.  The acquisition is recorded on Registered Papers 66/3078\r\n\nIn size and the character of mounts, this box conforms more closely to the Ham/Yale model c1675-80 (see below).","historicalContext":"Strong-boxes such as this were luxury objects. They were apparently sold by cabinet-makers who would  have constructed and veneered the carcase, often using tropical hardwood veneers, and mounted it with sets  of mounts, handles and locks bought in from brass founders. Adam Bowett (Furniture History Society  newsletter, No. 157, February 2005, pp.2-3) cites the example of the cabinet maker Edward Traherne, who  appears to have made strong boxes, and whose clients included members of Charles II’s government and  household. A box that appeared at auction in 2004 (Christies, New York, 8/4/2004, lot 188) was formerly in the  collection of Elihu Yale, Governor of Madras and a Governor of the East India Company. \r\n\r\nThe elaborate veneering and conspicuous brass mounts show that the appearance of these objects was  important, as does the enhancement of the grain of the veneer both inside and outside in this example.  Some, such as Yale’s box, were displayed on purpose-made gilt-wood stands, soon after, if not at the time of  purchase, and the evidence of the Ham house inventory (1677, 1683) recording 'Two strong boxes...frames  to the boxes' in the Duchess's bedchamber indicates that such boxes were items of display as well as  practicality. However, it is clear that the show surfaces of some boxes (inside and out) were enhanced by  graining, a cheap method of simulating luxury veneers using paint. Further investigations may show whether  the graining was added before or after the mounts were applied. Whether these savings in cost were passed  on to the purchaser is unclear, but the use of graining on less expensive veneers, and occasional lack of  secret compartments perhaps suggests that such strong-boxes were made in different cost-options,  presumably aiming at a wider market than the wealthiest purchasers only.\r\n\r\nVarious aspects of design relates directly to the practical needs of security for small valuables at home, and  while travelling. Their most notable feature, apart from their very stout construction and internally-fixed bolts  and hinges, is the two screw-bolts set into the sides of the box that could be turned with a T-bar (missing  from this example but surviving with others) to attach the box securely into floor boards, effectively  immobilising it. This feature allowed these portable boxes to be securely attached to a surface, even when  travelling. As the screws could only be turned while the box was opened, only the key holder could move it.  The key hole itself is accessed by an unobtrusive spring-button catch, which would also allow the user to  close the box quickly (unlocked) if necessary. Inside, hidden compartments (a standard feature of the boxes)  also added an additional layer of security for small items such as a folded paper or jewels, against those  unaware of their location.\r\n\r\nNumerous strong-boxes similar to this one survive in public and private collections, in a range of sizes and  with similar brass mounts of varying design. The boxes conform to a basic pattern, with fall front enclosing  two drawers below a well, fitted with various secret compartments, and a hinged panel in the lid, also  accessing secret compartments.\r\n\r\nExamples in the V&A collection:\r\nMuseum no. 793-1896 (21.6 x 36.2 x 23.8cm) has almost identical brass mounts, with ‘fleur de lys’ details,  the main difference being the lack of cross arms on the front mounts. 793-1896 has a much simpler interior,  with evidence of a lost sliding panel that concealed a drawer. However, it lacks the elaborate hidden  compartments, suggesting that a standard basic design could be adapted by the cabinet-maker according to  need, and presumably, budget. \r\n\r\nMuseum no. 2421-1856 (23.2 x 40 (incl. handles) x 22.5cm),  Metalwork collection\r\nWith similar interior and mounts. The mounts however may however be 19c replacements on account of  their smooth, even surface (characteristic of 19th century zinc extraction processes), and lack of 17th  century 'graininess'.\r\n\r\nMuseum no. W.10-1951 (FWK)\r\n\r\nAnother example V&A Circ. 504-1913 was written off in 1953.\r\n\r\nAdam Bowett (Furniture History Society newsletter, No. 157, February 2005, pp.2-3) notes that the similarity  of the brass mounts on the surviving examples of strong boxes suggests that they were bought from brass- founders, and fitted to cabinets of slightly differing designs. The highly elaborate wood veneers that are a  feature of these boxes do not seem to correspond in design with the shape of the mounts, again suggesting  that the mounts were made separately to the boxes. The particularly elaborate oyster veneering of an  example that appeared at auction in 1995 (Christies (?), South London, 19th May 1995) does not relate very  well to the mounts, particularly on the front panels.\r\n\r\nThe design of strong boxes such as this may have originated in France, as with other luxury objects of this  period, and they have traditionally been called Flemish. However there is also evidence that they were made  in England, as suggested by Bowett’s example of the cabinet-maker Edward Traherne (died 1675), whose  records suggest he made strong boxes. His stock-in-trade lists component parts of strong boxes, such as  brass fittings. This supports the indication that a cabinet maker might have sets of brass mounts that could  be fitted to boxes as born out by an examination of surviving boxes. Bowett cites the examples of two boxes  that survive at Ham House, and another formerly in the collection of Elihu Yale, and offered at auction in 2004  (Christies, New York, 8/4/2004, lot 188) and dated to about 1680. One of the Ham House boxes is on a gilt  stand of about 1730, while the Elihu Yale example is on an elaborate giltwood stand that may be  contemporary, and is designed to accommodate the fall front of the box when opened. It is likely that the  boxes were not manufactured with stands but may have had stands made for them. The similarity of the two  boxes also suggests to Bowett that they could have ‘a similar source’.\r\n","briefDescription":"Flemish or English? 1690-1700","bibliographicReferences":[],"production":"","productionType":{"text":"","id":""},"contentDescription":"","contentPlaces":[],"associatedPlaces":[],"contentPerson":[],"associatedPerson":[],"contentOrganisations":[],"associatedOrganisations":[],"contentPeople":[],"associatedPeople":[],"contentEvents":[],"associatedEvents":[],"contentOthers":[],"contentConcepts":[],"contentLiteraryRefs":[],"galleryLabels":[],"partNumbers":["W.13-1966"],"accessionNumberNum":"13","accessionNumberPrefix":"W","accessionYear":1966,"otherNumbers":[],"copyNumber":"","aspects":["WHOLE"],"assets":[],"recordModificationDate":"2025-04-11","recordCreationDate":"2009-06-24","availableToBook":true}}