Small chest

1720-1750

Measurements

17 in x 26-5/8 in x 14-1/8 in

Materials

Walnut; tulip poplar (till)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3583

Condition Notes

The chest survives in excellent condition, including the feet, the strap hinges, and Germanic spring lock.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This small chest on four ball feet may have been used on the floor or placed on another piece of furniture. Inside, it has a till on the left side but no other fit-out that might suggest its original function. 

The case sides are dovetail; some of the dovetails are wedged to hold them firmly in place.  The moldings around the lid and base are attached with wood pegs.  The top moldings at each side are also tongue-and-grooved to each end of the top board; nails driven down from the top through the tongues and grooves further secure the moldings in place.  The lid has a molded edge on all four sides.  It attaches to the case with iron strap hinges and locks with a Germanic grab lock (see image provided).  The bottom board is wood-pegged to the underside of the sides  The turned feet are round-tenoned into case.  Some of the protruding tenons have been trimmed to conform to the interior side walls.  The till inside the chest is unusual in having the board that forms the long side canted outward at the top (see image provided).  Usually, such boards are upright.

The case sides are painted with a red wash over a more opaque green.  The base molding and feet are painted black.