A French iron mounted cuir Bouilli missal box 15th century

the wood carcase overlaid with leather, the hinged lid centred by a swing handle and covered with incised foliate motifs, the sides with an incised trellis design and one side with conforming swing handle, the base with a similar covering, the mounts with flower head terminals, with three hasps, the central one is stamped 'I' surmounted by a crown

Very decorative and in good condition considering great age. There are losses to the leather which has ingrained dirt - totally commensurate with age. One swing handle at the side lacking. Lock distressed and possibly components lacking when viewed from the interior.
"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."

The offered lot is particularly rare as the hasp is stamped.

For very similar missal boxes from the 15th century in the Hanns Schell Collection see Ewald Berger, Prunk-Kassetten, Graz, 1998, p. 112, fig. 44 and p. 116, fig. 8.

Also see The Adler Collection, these rooms, 24th February 2005, lot 4.