17th Century Antique Oak Alms Box / Offertory Box / Poor Box / Mite Box

A 17th-Century antique oak alms / offertory box with iron strapwork with incised decoration. Also known as a poor box or mite box.

A poor box, alms box, offertory box, or mite box is a box that is used to collect coins for charitable purposes. They are found in most Christian churches built before the 19th century and were the main source of funds for poor relief.

Constructed from heavy oak boards. 

Continental origin, possibly France.

With a heavy iron hinged lid with a single coin slot, the front having two iron hasps (the third is missing) with three keyholes

The lid opens to reveal an interior void of any fittings.

Provenance – Acquired directly from a French collection.

Condition – Good overall as per the images. Surface wear is commensurate with age. The ironwork has losses. Screws have been used to replace the original fixings for the strapwork. A further detailed condition report is available upon request.

Size – Height 34 cm x width 35 cm x depth 25 cm (13 3/8″ x 13 7/8″ x 9 7/8″)