A French 15th C. Leather And Iron Banded Casket

The traveler casket we are offering is one of the representative and intriguing gothic works of art..
In the 15th century these boxes were used to transport postmail, books, but also valuables and money.
Our rectangular box with wooden core is covered with leather and iron bands; the lid with five iron bands has a central part which lifts up and reveals a secret compartment (cubicle).
It has a hasp lock and side fasteners.
The engraved and incised leather presents geometric decorations.
The cubicle, hidden under a first small lid fixed in the center of the second lid, was intended to contain the passport or the mandate letter of the messenger, allowing him to keep a document justifying his mission without the need to open the box.
As for the passers-by visible on the sides, they made it possible to fix the box using a leather strap to the horse saddle or to carry it on the shoulder.
15th century, Gothic period, France
Dimensions: h. 8 cm, l. 15 cm, p. 11 cm
Good condition