Antique Chubb & Son Deed Box with Key – C. Cuthbert Eley No. 1 – Early 20th Cent

Antique Chubb & Son Deed Box with Key – C. Cuthbert Eley No. 1 – Early 20th Century Japanned Metal Strong Box

Date: Early 20th century, likely George V period, circa 1910s–1920s

Maker: Chubb & Son / Chubb and Son

Material: Japanned painted metal with cream painted interior

Dimensions:

A wonderfully evocative early 20th-century Chubb & Son japanned metal deed box, retaining its key and bearing the gilt-painted personal inscription:

C. Cuthbert Eley.

No. 1.

This is a handsome and highly characterful antique deed box / document strong box, made by one of Britain’s most respected lock and safe makers. The box is finished in black japanned metal with a cream-painted interior, a hinged lid, front lock, carry handle, and Chubb maker details to the interior and lock plate.

The interior bears the wording “Chubb and Son” and “68 St. James’s St. S.W.”, while the lock plate is marked “Chubb’s Patent Improved”, “128 Queen Victoria Street, London”, and carries the serial number, which appears to read 1663216. The key is present and attached to an old handwritten paper ticket, the faded wording of which appears to include Cuthbert Eley, matching the name on the front of the box.

The name is particularly interesting. The inscription may relate to Charles Cuthbert Eley, M.A., F.L.S., of East Bergholt Place, Suffolk, a known horticultural figure associated with the development of the gardens at East Bergholt Place and the Rhododendron Society. While this attribution cannot be guaranteed without further archival confirmation, the name match gives the box a compelling provenance and makes it much more than a standard deed tin.

Originally, boxes such as this were used to store important documents, estate papers, deeds, legal records, securities, correspondence and private family papers. Their robust construction and secure Chubb locking mechanisms made them essential pieces of domestic, professional and estate office equipment. Today, they are sought after as decorative storage pieces, collectors’ items, legal antiques, country house objects and social history pieces.

This example has a particularly strong decorative look, with its aged black finish, gilt lettering and authentic surface wear. It would display beautifully in a study, library, hallway, office, bookcase or period interior. It is also a superb piece for collectors of Chubb boxes, antique safes, deed boxes, legal antiques, named estate items, country house objects and early 20th-century social history.

Condition

This is an antique item and shows clear signs of age, use and history.

There is rubbing, scratching, paint loss, surface wear, small areas of oxidation and losses to the japanned finish, particularly around the edges, corners and lid. The interior has age-related staining, marking, crazing and discolouration to the cream painted finish. The paper key ticket is heavily faded, foxed and worn, but appears to relate to the name on the box. There is wear to the front inscription, although it remains readable.

The key is present. Please note that the box is being sold as an antique decorative and collectable item rather than as a modern security safe.

The wear is very much part of the appeal of this piece, giving it the authentic look of an object that has genuinely served its purpose for many decades.

Why We Love It

This is not just a black deed box — it is a named Chubb box with a story.

The gilt inscription, C. Cuthbert Eley No. 1, gives it real personality, while the Chubb markings place it firmly within the world of British lockmaking, legal offices, estate papers and private family archives. The possible link to Charles Cuthbert Eley of East Bergholt Place adds an especially appealing horticultural and country-house thread.

It has exactly the sort of honest wear collectors love: scuffed, rubbed, aged, but full of presence. A proper survivor.

General Information

This is an antique item and may show signs of age, use, wear and previous ownership. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description. Colours may vary slightly depending on screen settings. Description given to the best of our knowledge.