Southern Germany, 17th century, Transport suitcase called “Nuremberg” or “corsair”

Southern Germany, 17th century Transport suitcase called “Nuremberg” or “corsair” Iron, cm 45.5 x 70 x 43 The artifact in question is a transport suitcase called "Nuremberg" or "corsair" in wrought, cut, engraved and painted iron, attributable to German manufacture of the 17th century. Made in the German city of Nuremberg, a city renowned for its iron and steel processing since the Middle Ages, these chests were characterized by a very robust construction, often in wrought iron as in the case in question, and by particularly elaborate and intricate decorations, which included engravings, fretwork and enamelling. Used to store precious objects, such as money, jewelry and documents on long journeys, these suitcases were often equipped with complex locks to protect their contents from thieves. Today they are considered real precious antiques and sought after by collectors. The suitcase presented here shows an entrance with a false lock on the front and the lid that opens with two push buttons. The sides are equipped with iron handles, while the back of the tray is decorated with a complex locking mechanism. The object is in a good state of preservation