Handle - 20th century - Rare handle
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€ 1
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Selected by Elena Napoleone
Holds a bachelor's degree in history of art and architecture, with 12 years of experience in decorative arts.
Estimate € 70 - € 110
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Rare gold-coloured cast-iron chest hinge from the Netherlands, dating to the 20th century, featuring a skull and crossbones motif, in good used condition with minor signs of aging and spots; dimensions 19.5 × 6.5 × 8 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Unique and rare gold-colored handle or coffin chest hinge
The handle has a beautiful patina, preserving its authentic characteristic appearance.
This form appeared in several variations on coffins in the 19th century, when death was not so taboo. Back then, the same symbols (vanitas symbols) were often used, which you can see on two handles, namely the skull with crossed thigh bones.
The skull and thigh bones remain the longest preserved as the calcium phosphate content is highest there, in other words because the bone is thickest there. The skull with crossed (thigh) bones is the symbol of death, and it is no coincidence that they are also used as symbols of danger and poison.
Dimensions
Length 19.5 cm
Depth 6.5 cm
Height 8 cm
Photos provide a clear view of the quality and are part of the description.
The whole will be well packed and shipped with tracking. The shipping costs also include the costs for packing, packing material and transportation. Ships only within the EU. Pickup is only possible when the lot is auctioned for more than €50 and, of course, by appointment during business hours.
antique hinge, brass fittings, skull motif, skull and crossbones, cabinet hardware, decorative metal, vintage hinge, ornamental hardware, furniture restoration, brass decoration, antique furniture part, Gothic style, curios, metal fitting, historic hardware, Art Deco hardware, antique wrought ironwork, brass ornament, door decoration, skeleton head hinge
Unique and rare gold-colored handle or coffin chest hinge
The handle has a beautiful patina, preserving its authentic characteristic appearance.
This form appeared in several variations on coffins in the 19th century, when death was not so taboo. Back then, the same symbols (vanitas symbols) were often used, which you can see on two handles, namely the skull with crossed thigh bones.
The skull and thigh bones remain the longest preserved as the calcium phosphate content is highest there, in other words because the bone is thickest there. The skull with crossed (thigh) bones is the symbol of death, and it is no coincidence that they are also used as symbols of danger and poison.
Dimensions
Length 19.5 cm
Depth 6.5 cm
Height 8 cm
Photos provide a clear view of the quality and are part of the description.
The whole will be well packed and shipped with tracking. The shipping costs also include the costs for packing, packing material and transportation. Ships only within the EU. Pickup is only possible when the lot is auctioned for more than €50 and, of course, by appointment during business hours.
antique hinge, brass fittings, skull motif, skull and crossbones, cabinet hardware, decorative metal, vintage hinge, ornamental hardware, furniture restoration, brass decoration, antique furniture part, Gothic style, curios, metal fitting, historic hardware, Art Deco hardware, antique wrought ironwork, brass ornament, door decoration, skeleton head hinge
Details
Era
1900-2000
Iron type
Cast iron
Title additional information
Rare handle
Material
Iron
Country of origin
Netherlands
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
8 cm
Width
19.5 cm
Depth
6.5 cm
Estimated period
20th century
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