Spanish, late 15th/ early 16th century

Private Spanish family collection, since the early-mid 20^th century;
by family descent

The chest is in country house condition. It appears not to have been much altered since the Middle Ages. There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are losses to the leather throughout, particularly around the bottom of the main body of the chest itself. Some of the leather is partially detached. Much of the leather survives on the lid and the decoration is broadly readable. There are fissures in the leather and the surface is generally dry. The majority of the metalwork survives, although the front right corner section of the lid tracery is lost with further losses at the side; the locks are a little wonky and some of the shell supports are lost. There are further lesser losses to the metalwork and one or two straps are partially detached. There is non active worming to the wood. There is some minor stable splitting to the wood, including to the lid. There are losses and flaking of paint to the interior. A few metal restorations to 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."

Similar treatment to the mounts with crocketted pierced arches are present on a casket in the Musé Le Secq de Tournelles and one in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 5704-1859; catalogued as French, circa 1520. A similar coffer is in the Cluny Museum, Paris. The presence of the shells which terminate the strapwork is likely to suggest an association with the shrine of St. James of Compostella in Northern Spain.