Chest - Oak - IHS - Year 1780

Antique chest made of solid oak, dated to the year 1780. Robust construction with forged iron fittings and profiled lid edge.

Christian carvings on the front (symbolic inscriptions):
HIS (Jesus symbol, Christian monogram)
MAR (Mary, patron saint, presumably for dowry tax)
RPH (likely initials of the donor or owner)
ANNO 1780,
Keyhole with original iron fitting (key missing).

Style: Probably Baroque style with religious motifs, Central European furniture art of the 18th century.

Provenance: Private possession from Düsseldorf (North Rhine-Westphalia), long time in the care of a cultured family with a high standard of living and a fondness for classical music and art. The chest comes from their household and was taken over after the death of the previous owner (she lived long as a widow after her spouse passed away). No other heirs known; so far in private collection without commercial use.

Condition: Good original condition with authentic patina (edges/base partly rubbed). Gap inside (upper right corner) and slight chipping were restored by previous owners.

Restoration by the current owner: A missing iron nail on the left lid fitting was replaced.

Original interior arrangement (small side compartment) missing, otherwise good original condition with authentic patina. Edges and base partly rubbed from natural wear – patinated and stable.

Transport:
Self-pickup in Düsseldorf.
Delivery by forwarding agent arranged at buyer’s expense.