Strong box

ca. 1865

Place madeUnited States, North America

Iron, paint

Overall: 14 1/2 x 14 3/8 x 9 5/8 in. ( 36.8 x 36.5 x 24.4 cm )

Gift of Robert G. Goelet

1975.33

According to the accession records, this strongbox was used for the transportation of bullion and coin.

DescriptionSheet iron strong box; flat lid with applied border with squares with beveled edges at corners, and keyhole at center within shallow horseshoe-shaped compartment (key is lodged in hole); each side with rectangular panel with laminated decoration consisting of two diamond-shaped layers superimposed on two rectangles with concave chamfered corners; "WELLS FARGO" painted in red on front, and oval cast iron handle hinge-mounted to each side; pedestal base with strip of molding surrounding top; interior painted red, with painted landscape on rectangular box-like projection on inside surface of lid.

MarkingsPainted on front: "WELLS FARGO"

ClassificationsBUSINESS TOOLS & EQUIPMENT