Description
This is a rare and beautiful antique church strongbox or collection box. I believe it is from the 17th or 18th Century. Few of this quality ever come for sale.
It is very heavy, made of thick oak, and bound in scrolled iron work. The top I think, has scroll work bearing family initials, but I cant make out who?
There are two brass locks, but I do not have the key. It is also fitted with a padlock and hasp.
It is in good condition. There are some small screw holes in the rear, where it was probably screwed to a wall in years gone by.
On the inside of the lid, there is marked the makers details - T. JEWITT of Oxford.
The overall size is: 31 cm long x 19 cm wide x 18 cm high.
Bonhams, the auction house, had an identical box at their auction a couple of years ago, but it was withdrawn before the value could be established.
I had this comment about the inscription, from another helpful EBay member -
"The letters on the top "IHS" can be seen in just about any Church you go into. Some say it is the first three of the six letters that spell the name of Jesus in Greek (translated to IHSOUS) whilst others reckon it is an abbreviation for Jesus Hominum Salvator ("Jesus, Saviour of men" in Latin)".
Overall, a very rare box, of value. It is heavy, so I would prefer collection by agreement, but I can post. The cost of postage may not be available with insurance.