This is a Victorian deed box, very popular in the 19th century in the home or in an office, it originally would have had a key, but unfortunately this has been lost over time. It is made from metal which has been Japaned, a method popular in the Victorian times of finishing on object with a high loss black paint or enamel, it was meant to imitate the Asian laquerwork of the day. It has a brass folding handle.
 
The paint work has some scratches, but there is no damage to the box.
 
Measures 35cm x 32cm x 11cm high