RARE AND MASSIVE CHURCH TREASURE CHEST Rare and massive hollowed-out "dug-out chest" made from a monoxyle oak trunk with wrought iron reinforcements. The top lid is hinged on one side by a long staple fitting and a peg for a padlock; two other iron hinge bands reinforce the lid and are finished with additional lock hasps at the front and back. The unusually shaped interior cavity has been designed to house sacred vases or a precious reliquary statuette. Medieval period, 13th-14th century, most likely England. Height: 40 cm - Width: 160 cm - Depth: 39 cm (Visible damage and missing parts, old alterations) Provenance: Former collection of the dealer Albert Dewilde in Malpertuis, designated as a 10th century Flemish chest. Sale, Brussels, Zouave Auction, Haute Epoque & Silverware, 25 June 2025, lot 70, acquired. Private collection, Belgium. Bibliography: Connaissance des Arts, No. 287, January 1976, our chest reproduced on page VI (designated as a Flemish Romanesque chest, 10th century). Sycamore, R. (2023) 'Regional characteristics of seven dug-out church chests in Herefordshire and Worcestershire: a dendrochronological and comparative study', Regional Furniture Society, 37, pp. 6-47. Sycamore, R. and Lewis, J. (2022) 'Crude and primitive? Rethinking the dating and construction of dug-out church chests in Britain', Church Archaeology, 22, pp. 81-99. Sycamore, R. (2020) 'Church Chests', Historic Churches, 27, p. 38-41. www.buildingconservation.com/articles/church-chests/church-chests.html Note: This rare chest belongs to a typology well documented by Rachel Sycamore, whom we thank for her advice and extensive contribution to the writing of this notice.