Blanket chest

1820-1840

Measurements

18-1/4 in x 40-1/8 in x 17-3/4 in

Materials

White pine

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3729

Inscription

“29” is stamped into the iron hinges

Condition Notes

The eagle has been painted over the original design at a later date.  The edges of the chest and lid have abraded from use.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

The distinctive coloring and painted style of this blanket chest identifies its region of origin. Other examples survive with the same mahogany graining and nearly identical floral bands outlining the front. The lid, ends, and base moldings of this chest are painted in the mahoganized ground only.  Colors used in the central floral motifs are repeated in the floral border.  The brighter and discordant eagle was added as an “enhancement.”  At that time, the urn was also repainted in an effort to blend the additions with the original paint. 

The lid attaches to the chest with cast iron hinges, which likely date from about 1820 to 1840.  The number 29 stamped into the hinges is likely a pattern number from the manufacturer.  The lid, with applied moldings on the sides and front, opens to a till inside on the right side.  The integral base moldings and feet meet in the front corners at miters.