An antique Indo-Portuguese coffer designed to store money or valuables is to auction tonight (February 5). The elegant safe-box carries a €30,000-45,000 ($40,630-60,917) estimate ahead of the sale in Portugal.

The coffer boasts its original key – a suggestion of its designated function that is sure to positively influence its ultimate sale price

Thought to derive from the 17th century, the rare tortoiseshell coffer boasts intricate decorative silver work, handles and its original key.

Antique coffers have previously put in strong performances at auction, suggesting this attractive tortoiseshell example could bring strong results later today. A fine Napoleon III brass-inlaid coffer, featuring tortoiseshell and ebony foliate branches, brought £28,800 ($50,861) to Christie's in September 2005.

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