Strongbox with clockwork

Alexander Fromery German
 Christian Ludwig von der Fecht German

Not on view

This sumptuous-looking strongbox is an extraordinary example of Berlin Rococo style, an interpretation of the rococo that was tailored to the taste of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia (r. 1740–1786). Frederick's name became synonymous with Rococo décor; in his honor, it was later called “Friderizianisches Rococo.” It may have been used to store the King’s seal, which represented the head of state in his absence to validate important contracts. The intricate lock, which has twenty-two sliding bolts requires two keys and secret knowledge to open; the keyhole to initiate the ceremony is hidden underneath the base of one of the soldiers stationed around the top. A collaboration between clockmaker Alexander Fromery and court gunsmith Christian Ludwig von der Fecht, the strongbox is an unparalleled showpiece of both the King’s taste and his artisan’s talent.

Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin

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Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin
Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin
Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin
Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin
Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin
Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin
Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin
Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin
Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin
Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin
Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin
Strongbox with clockwork, Alexander Fromery (German, 1695–1775), Iron, steel, copper, brass, partially silvered and gilded; glass, red silk velvet, German, Berlin

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