Antique Indian teak wood painted travel chest of lovely patination and proportions dating from c1820-60, with iron bindings for added strength and durability and simple original iron lock. Antique chests and boxes from India come in an extraordinary variety of styles reflecting the many cultures that influenced the land over centuries. Our genuine antique Indian chests and boxes offer a stylish alternative to your home storage needs. Normally constructed from teak, rosewood or jackfruit wood, Indian chests & trunks were used for storing and transporting valuables such as textiles, jewellery & money (sandook in Hindi) that might be used as dowry for marriages. We think this one may have been used within the military, and later painted, or perhaps a well heeled person that travelled. They were always made to be sturdy & solid with strong locks and metal binding work. Every chest tells a loving story and each and every piece can now be used as blanket boxes, storage boxes, coffee or side tables. This is a fine original example from the mid 19th century, with original metalwork. It is an old piece made by hand many years ago, with a beautiful colour and patina which really shows its age and history, and there are some historic repairs and age related marks and wear and tear as you would expect for an item of this age. Please be sure to check all photos as these form part of the description. Dimensions – 62 x 46 x 43cm