Antique 18th Century Hand-carved And Polychromed Document Box

This document box is an extraordinary piece of 18th-century European folk art showcasing a distinct rectangular wooden form with a sloped, hinged lid, hand-painted and dated, hand forged iron strap hinges, hand-wrought iron nails, clinched (bent over) on the inside.

The central raised panel on the lid features a bold, deeply carved acanthus leaf motif. The bold acanthus lid carving is a quintessential example of Västerbotten's regional Baroque carving style. The dark green body paint is layered over a base coat, revealing significant natural weathering and "alligatoring" from age. The carved panel retains contrasting red and yellow/ochre pigments. It features a hand-forged iron escutcheon (keyhole plate) paired with an iron loop key. The side construction shows traditional small wooden pegs typical of pre-industrial carpentry.

The hinges with Irregularity more than likely because they were hammered out by a blacksmith on an anvil, the two hinges are not perfectly identical in thickness, length, or shape and there is a difference in space between the hinge and side of box.

The box has a working lock with possibly the original, period key that is highly unusual for a box from 1742. The fact that it still operates the lock mechanism adds immense tactile and historical appeal.

Comes with a note that is an extraordinary piece of provenance (historical documentation) written in Swedish. It provides absolute confirmation that the document box is an authentic piece of northern Swedish folk art. The note translates to: "This is the Village Box from Vasterhiske. Purchasedby District Court Judge Carl Johnson. Last Owner O.A. Lindberg, Brogan 3a Umea.

This artifact served as the official administrative legal chest for the historic village of Västerhiske (now a neighborhood in Umeå, Sweden). It was used to secure village bylaws (Byordning), land deeds, and tax records. It passed from the village archives into the private collection of Senior District Lay Judge (Häradsdomare) Carl Johnsson, and subsequently into the estate of prominent Umeå city official O.A. Lundberg.

Dimensions: 21 1/2" L, 15 1/2" D, 7" H

Condition: Completely stable. Dovetails remain tight and rigid. Wood displays normal shrinkage and minor warping consistent with a 284-year-old organic specimen. Surfaces are 100% original and entirely uncleaned. No modern overpainting, synthetic finishes, or structural alterations detected. Iron work features some rust and oxidation to the interior strap hinges. The box automatically locks once the lid is closed and the key will release the lock. There is trim loss to the front of the acanthus leaf motif. Wear to the paint that is consistent with age and use. Two of the screws on the interior tulips have been replaced in the past with slotted screws.