Monumental and Unusual 18th Century Teak and Iron Bound Dowry Chest c. 1770

A most unusual and very large silver or dowry chest made entirely from solid and thickly hewn teak with large exposed dovetails and with iron bound corners, iron bindings, original double heart shaped hasp and keep and large carrying handles to each side – all with original rivets. The interior with original candle box and later chain restrictor, the original hand forged iron hinges have been replaced with substantial brass hinges.

It is most unusual to find a solid teak box of this size. The timbers are almost an inch thick throughout and are hand cut with marks to the inner faces from the hand held adze. This would have been made bespoke to keep safe a great treasure as the amount of additional bindings and the detailed way in which the boards have been joined and sealed would have made it a very difficult box to break into, and its great weight requires two very strong people to lift it even when empty.

It has been set on wheels in the 19th century, no doubt because its weight made it hard to move for cleaning but these can be removed so that it will sit on its original stile feet behind the deep well shaped apron to all sides.

Teak is a wonderful wood, full of golden threads and the chest has developed a lovely rich colour and a deep natural sheen which lights up and glows when placed under a lamp.

A very rare and large box, probably made in India in around 1770 and traded by the East India Company.