Gold Jewel Chest, Augsburg, c. 1600

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Made in 1/12th scale by Wm. R. Robertson, 1992

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Small chests and boxes have enticed people since the beginning of time with their beauty and their mystery of what they contain. In 1992, Robertson made this chest of ebony, covered with 18K gold grills.  All the edges are beaded. And the lock works, complete with a gold key. While not a copy, it was inspired by one in the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles in Rouen, France. Shown are Robertson’s drawings. It was originally displayed in Tom Warner’s Tudor Room in the Toy and Miniature Museum, Kansas City, Missouri.