16th Century Document Chest

[Bill Berklich]

16th Century patterned document chest with a hand carved lid. From the 1400's onward similar chests we're used to store writing materials. This chest is in pine and finished with red garnet shellac, similar to materials readily available during the 16th Century.IMG_20170310_151138377.jpgIMG_20170310_151157632.jpg

[Steve Kohn]

Pardon my ignorance but would something from the 16th century have metal handles and hinges? Especially for writing materials. I would assume that the only people that could read and write would have been the monks and maybe some priests. Due to their vows of poverty (I know any of the vows were often ignored) I would assume these types of boxes would have used rope instead of forged metals.

[Lee Schierer]

Pardon my ignorance but would something from the 16th century have metal handles and hinges?

Do a search for "16th century french leather covered casket". They had metal handles and metal hinges. Certainly not as nice as the brass ones in the writing box above, but hinges have been around for a long time. You can also do a search on "the history of hinges" and see some interesting designs.

Nice looking box Bill. Now all you need are some old documents.....

[Bill Berklich]

Pardon my ignorance but would something from the 16th century have metal handles and hinges? Especially for writing materials. I would assume that the only people that could read and write would have been the monks and maybe some priests. Due to their vows of poverty (I know any of the vows were often ignored) I would assume these types of boxes would have used rope instead of forged metals.

By the late 16th Century Gutenberg's press had been in operation for over 100 years. Literacy rates were climbing to about 25% of the male population and writing in the Lord, Mercantile, and professional classes exceeded 60%. A chest similar in design could easily be found in the home of a young rising merchant or professional. Exterior ornamentation would of course increase along with income and stature.

Metal working during in this period was gaining in sophistication. Very complex clocks and optics were being created. Both rolled and pierced hinges were available and a piece of this type would most likely have a hasp to secure the lid. As far as the cup handles, though not unheard of they were not common. Most small chests did not have handles or had bail type handles. (I didn't happen to have any laying around)

But as as I said initially it's a 16th Century pattern piece, definitely not a reproduction in any sense of the word. Merely a reminisce in wood from days of yore and a bit of fun.

[Bill Berklich]

Do a search for "16th century french leather covered casket". They had metal handles and metal hinges. Certainly not as nice as the brass ones in the writing box above, but hinges have been around for a long time. You can also do a search on "the history of hinges" and see some interesting designs.

Nice looking box Bill. Now all you need are some old documents.....

Sweet!! I may try to do a nicer one wrapped in parchment. I need a place for my feather quills :-)

[Frederick Skelly]

Very nice! I especially like the carving.

[Rick Potter]

I also like the carving.

[Stan Calow]

Great idea.

[Steve Kohn]

Thanks for the information. I am surprised that the literacy rate was that high back then. Good looking box. How was the lid carving done?

[Andrew Hughes]

I like the carving too. Why is there a yellow C on the lid ?

[Jody Amerson]

Nice work and really like the carving too.