19th Century Russian Gilt Iron-Bound Box with Original Key

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A rare early 19th century Russian iron-bound box decorated with gilt metal 'Frost' pattern. The beautiful gold panels meant to … Read more A rare early 19th century Russian iron-bound box decorated with gilt metal 'Frost' pattern. The beautiful gold panels meant to mimic frost on glass. Retaining the original key, the lock in working order, it makes an usual musical tone when the key is turned. The interior lined with faux marble paper.

The box was made circa 1800 in Velikii Ustyug, Vologda Oblast, in northern Russia, an area known for this type of iron box.

Note: From the 16th century onwards, the ingenuity of the village blacksmith extended to fashioning iron-bound trunks. Some of the most sophisticated personal strong-boxes created for the storage of important papers and household plate were crafted in Veliki Ustiug. The prominent trade center excelled at producing examples with openwork straps forming bands of repeating patterns laid over pigmented or gilded surfaces. (Bonham's). See less