Dimensions
76.25 inches long, 21.25 inches deep and 22 inches high.
194 cms long, 54 cms deep, and 56 cms high.
Full Description
A very wide and beautiful sword chest in solid walnut and of superb colour and patination.
The chest is set on carved lion paw front feet and retains its original snaped iron hinges and original iron lock and key.
With egg and dart border to the heavy boarded lid and five fielded panels to the front of the chest, all of the boards are original and substantial.
This cassone was almost certainly made to house swords – possibly the longswords (the Italian Spadone, or two handed sword) of the early 17th Century or the later rapier swords which originated in Italy in the mid-17th century.
The chest is very long, heavy and robust. It was made without a candle or herb box which are usually found on chests designed to hold linen or perishable goods.
It is substantial and the lock is complex. The lid rises smoothly and easily.
The cassone would be a beautiful addition to any room, hallway or landing. It is the perfect length to sit across the end of a super king size bed and used to store a large quantity of bed linens, towels etc.
With small losses, depletions to the feet and old worm holes (long since treated and dead), and the lid has a most attractive and age old smile to one corner which really adds to its charm and is solid as a rock. This slight movement would have occurred in the first few decades of the 18th century.
This cassone has been cared for, waxed and loved by generation after generation for almost 350 years. It is in remarkably good condition for age and a very beautiful and practical piece of 17th century Italian walnut furniture of wonderful colour and great beauty.
