Seventeenth Century Traveling Casket

As travel in the seventh and eighteenth centuries was often hazardous, the location and quality of accommodation particularly in inns was often uncertain, travelers would often carry their own provision, plate and medicines. Wealthy travelers would often keep their valuables locked in special small brass or iron bound chest, such as this example, which could be firmly secured to the wooden floor of the travelers’ bedroom or carriage using internal threaded screws. Once locked the casket was almost immovable providing immediate and valued security. This casket is unusual as it still retaining the mahogany stand that would have been made for it about thirty years after it was supplied.

Casket: Continental – Circa 1690
Stand: English – Circa 1720