Early 19th Century Iron-Bound Strongbox, Engraved Brass Plaque for Commissary General Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB

A fine and characterful early 19th century iron-bound hardwood strongbox, in rich, deeply aged mahogany tones. The lid is secured by three substantial riveted iron straps, which hinge over to three hasps, with a central brass lock cover on the front. Further iron straps reinforce the corners and base. A brass octagonal plaque, screwed to the lid and finely engraved in copperplate script, reads "Commissary General Sir R. I. Routh". A second, smaller plate on the front is engraved but now too worn to read. The wood has a wonderful honeyed patina from generations of handling, with the scratches and dents you would expect of a chest made for travel and use. Heavy, solid and practical, it works beautifully as a coffee table, a blanket chest or a striking piece of storage.

Provenance
The lid plaque identifies the chest with Commissary General Sir Randolph Isham Routh KCB (1782–1858). Routh entered the Commissariat in 1805, served through the Peninsular War and was senior Commissariat officer at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. He was made Commissary General in 1826 and posted to Quebec. In the 1840s he was head of the Commissariat in Ireland and a key figure in the Famine relief effort. A handwritten card inside the lid records his name, dates and the Battle of Waterloo.