What is this exactly?

[icedgold10]

I know it is a wood box but not sure why the hardware?  Where does the design come from?  7" x 5" x 4".

[KC]

Is is wood or metal?  Size/Dimensions?

[icedgold10]

7" x 5" x 4".  It is wood.

[bigwull]

looks like its nag related.....

[mart]

Your guess is as good as ours is !! These little boxes have been used for hundreds of years to keep all kind of items dear to the maker or family !! This one looks maybe 19th century and made from a wood burl !! Don`t think its American though !! Looks more European design !! But who knows ??

[KC]

I would use it to hide valuables in the rafters! 

[mart]

Perhaps the hook is to keep it away from mice and other creepy crawlies !!

[KC]

I agree mart, that or just make it more useful storage!!!

[wendy177]

For some reason I think this was used on a ship.    Have been searching but no luck yet.

[Rauville]

Is there anything that actually latches the lid when closed, or would the ironwork lay over the top and attach to something that is missing from the front?

[icedgold10]

Doesn't seem to be anything missing.  No holes or anything.  Looked like it should hang some place.

[bigwull]

Doesn't seem to be anything missing.  No holes or anything.  Looked like it should hang some place.

exactly...everything has to be somewhere....

[mart]

Is there anything that actually latches the lid when closed, or would the ironwork lay over the top and attach to something that is missing from the front?

You are right Rauville,, didn`t notice before,,it has no latch !! So either the latch is missing or there is another way to secure it !!

[KC]

Does it look like it has wear from leather straps?

[cogar]

If the lid doesn't latch ...... the hook and string serves no purpose.