A rather nice example of a deed box in the original paint once housing the papers of the Marquess of Salisbury.  Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury  (1830-1903) was later known as Lord Salisbury, and also Prime Minister of the United Kingdom three times.    His father was the 2nd Marquess, James Brownlow William Gascoyne-Cecil, 2nd Marquess of Salisbury (1791-1868) was also a British politician and the Lord Privy seal in 1852.  As the chest held the papers of the Marquess of Salisbury it is likely it saw service for both the 2nd Earl and the 3rd Earl, the British Prime Minister, in the 19th century.  Such 'deed chests' were often held in solicitor's offices on the large country estate holding important papers inside the metal chest.

Whilst a number of deed chests exist, few have such distinguished connections on the open market.   The paint is original as is the lettering - the spelling of 'Marquess' as 'Marquis' was sometimes used and  is more often a French spelling, and may be an quirk of the person who painted  the chest.

Measuring:  46 cm across, 27 cm high, 33.5 cm deep

English, mid 19th century