2-996-055 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ancient skippet, 1860. A container 'of the time of Edward III', used for the preservation of title-deeds of the Crown. The '...box, turned hollow in the lathe, [is] of about four inches diameter, and with a closely-fitting lid. This was intended for the reception of a few documents only, though sometimes made of a much larger size. Varying occasionally in shape, these "skippets," as they were termed, were either separately packed away or inclosed in an outside chest, or "forcer." In the old building employed as the ancient Treasury these chests and "forcers" were...distinguished by symbols expressive of their contents. Like them, too, these emblematic signs were curious and striking'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.