99: A FINE RARE 1859 FETTERESSO CASTLE SCOTTISH COIN CHEST

The finely crafted coin cabinet made of solid mahogany and retaining its original finish was constructed in 1859 for Thomas Frasier Duff around the time of his wedding. The Clan Duff lived in Fetteresso Castle in Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, Scotland beginning in the late 17th century.

An inlaid brass medallion on front is hand engraved with the Clan Duff Arms: a lion rampant gules grasping a dagger, accompanied by the Latin motto VIRTUTE ET OPERA 'By Courage and by Work.' The reverse of the chest bears a second, elaborately engraved medallion plaque lettered FETTERESSO CASTLE AUG 1859 along with the following in English and Latin: Thomas Fraser Duff effigiavit James Hogg fecit. The meaning here being: Thomas Fraser Duff designed [this]; James Hogg made [it].

This fine and rare cabinet was designed expressly for the organization and cataloging of an extensive coin collection. It features more than twenty drawers and dozens of numbered compartments, including four concealed compartments, each subdivided into velvet-lined trays, most , if not all, with original lining.

Thomas Fraser Duff was born in 1830 to Adam Duff and Eleanor Fraser. He married Marie Albertine Duff, who was the daughter of Robert Duff and Marie Madeleine Namont. This union was between first cousins, as Thomas and Marie Albertine shared a common grandfather, Adam Duff of Fetteresso. Based on the date of manufacture, this chest was almost certainly a wedding gift. Thomas and Marie Albertine Duff had at least three children: Robert Fraser Duff (born 1860), Albert Adam Fraser Duff, and Albertine Eleanore Frances Madeline Fraser Duff.

The Duff family had longstanding ties to Fetteresso Castle in Kincardineshire, Scotland, a property they controlled and expanded in the late 17th century.

Fetteresso Castle has roots dating back to the 14th century. Originally a medieval tower house, the property was significantly altered and expanded in the late 17th century by the Duff family, who acquired it and established it as their ancestral seat.
Measures 21.5H x 31W x 21D inches.
Very good condition, noting some minor shallow surface scratches.
$3,000 - $4,000