15th Sep, 2026 10:00
Fine Interiors
A painted and parcel-gilt wooden and cast iron strongbox
17th century and later,
the hinged lid enclosing a steel and iron-clad interior, decorated all over with foliate strapwork, simulated tortoiseshell and chinoiserie motifs, fitted with a pair of large carry handles, on a later painted and parcel-gilt wooden stand
(2)
strongbox 80cm wide, 60cm deep, 60cm high, 79cm high including stand
Provenance:The Arkwright family, Kinsham Court, Herefordshire.
Footnote:Strongboxes were commonly used in the 17th century to safeguard valuables such as coins, jewellery and important documents. Effectively the precursor to the modern safe, they served the same function and were used by the likes of merchants, wealthy families, banks and members of the clergy.
Most typical strongboxes were produced in Central Europe, mainly coming from Germany, Austria and Bohemia, with cities such as Nuremberg and Augsburg emerging as the de facto capitals of strongbox production.
Typically constructed from iron and reinforced with thick strapwork and rivets, many were decorated with pierced or engraved detail, typically depicting floral or geometric motifs and often personalised to include a coat of arms or other heraldic devices. This example is intricately decorated in such a manner, richly showcasing foliate, gilded and chinoiserie designs.
Beyond its notable craftsmanship, this piece is further enhanced by its compelling provenance, emanating from the prominent Arkwright family of Kinsham Court, Herefordshire. Luminaries of the family include Sir Richard Arkwright (1732-1792) who was a key figure in the Industrial Revolution, responsible, alongside John Kay, for the development of the spinning frame used to spin thread or yarn. His great-great-grandson, Sir John Stanhope Arkwright (1872-1954), was Member of Parliament for Leominster from 1900 to 1912 and authored the First World War hymn, 'O Valiant Hearts'. In 1911, Sir John purchased Kinsham, beginning the family's association with the house.
Located approximately three miles from the Welsh town of Presteigne, Kinsham is a Grade II listed Georgian house constructed in the early 18th century. Originally owned by the Harley family, scions of the Earls of Oxford, the house's eclectic history perhaps gained its strongest acclaim through its association with the poet Lord Byron (1788-1824). Byron rented the house for a six-month period from October 1812 and wrote of Herefordshire, this 'county is very much to my taste...I have taken a seat of Ld. Oxford's'. Byron consistently spoke highly of his time at Kinsham, stating that 'I always feel happier here or at Newstead than elsewhere'. He 'left his mark' on Kinsham quite literally by etching his signature into an upstairs window. Undoubtedly, Byron had a strong affection for his time at Kinsham and his period in Herefordshire was an important, albeit brief, chapter in his life story.
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£15,000 - £25,000
Buyer's premium: 32.40% (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)
Condition Report
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Auction: Fine Interiors, 15th Sep, 2026
Viewing
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 11 September, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 13 September, 10am - 1pm
Monday 14 September, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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