Spanish or French, circa 1500

Overall, the condition of the box is good, with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The wrought iron is mounted on a wood core and the inside of the box is lined with canvas and red velvet, comprising two removable shelves. There is a small loss to the wrought iron at the bottom corner at the front. There is composite fill applied to the tracery, perhaps to stabilise the surface. Some of this fill is lost, including at the front on the left hand side. There appear to be some small losses to the tracery at the front on the right hand side. There is very slight corrosion to the iron. There is minor warping to the metal, including to the sides of the lid and the bottom at the back. The wood core is in good condition, with some stable splitting consistent with the material. There is very minor evidence of past worming to the underside. Both the wood and the iron are composed in sections, and some joints are slightly open but stable. The latch is very slightly loose in its setting but stable.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Berger, Prunk-Kassetten: Meisterwerke aus der Hanns Schell Collection, Graz, 1998, p. 197, figs. 29 and 29a