Diminutive 16th-Century French Antique Iron Missal Box / Small Antique Iron Strong Box

A 16th-century French antique missal box of small proportions.

A missal box is a reinforced container used to store a missal, a book of prayers and instructions for the Catholic Mass. Missal boxes were often made of wood and/or iron, and were created in France in the late 15th century. They were designed to be strong. Sometimes plain in design and sometimes ornate.

Missal boxes were also used to transport other valuable items in addition to missals, such as illuminated books of prayers, jewellery, and money. They could be attached to a saddle by a leather belt or suspended inside a larger chest for safekeeping.

This example, of plain form, has riveted fittings and a hinged lock plate with hasp and keep, and iron handles to either side.

Provenance – Unknown.

Condition – Please refer to the images. There is a time-worn surface wear. The lid opens. The interior is painted red. This internal paint, whilst old, may be a later addition to the box.

Size – 17 cm wide x 10.5 cm deep x 8 cm high (6 3/4″ x 4 1/8″ x 3.15 cm).