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Chest, Caja fuerte
Chest, Caja fuerte
Chest, Caja fuerte

Chest, Caja fuerte

Manufacturer / Maker
Datec. 1750
MediumIron, Steel
DimensionsOverall: 16 x 15 x 31 3/4 in. (40.6 x 38.1 x 80.6 cm)
ClassificationsFurnishings
Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Mrs. Betty Mae Hartman
Terms
    Object numberPC1984.31.2
    DescriptionA painted iron or steel chest or caja fuerte, probably of Dutch manufacture, but brought to New Spain via Spain.

    The donor acquired this chest from the estate of Beatrice Ilfeld Meyer, daughter of Louis Ilfeld and niece of Charles Ilfeld. The Ilfelds, Jewish pioneer merchants who immigrated to New Mexico from Germany, played a major role in the social and economic development of nineteenth century New Mexico. According to the donor, it came from the Staab family.

    The Ilfelds may have acquired the chest as early as 1867, the year Charles hit pay dirt with his mercantile in Las Vegas, or sometime after 1873, the year Louis arrived in New Mexico. The company eventually moved to Albuquerque where it operated well into the 1950s.

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