Circa 1820
Great For Foot Of Bed Or Coffee Table
$425
Includes Shipping
construction. Given the type of "rosehead" nails used and shrinkage of the bottom board, I would
expect this to date to the 1810-1830 era. Chests such as this would have been used strictly in the
home and not so much exposed to the elements during travel, a true blanket chest as it were. When
I received it, the entire top was missing, which is significant, but has been replaced by using newer
boards of the same wood. Not much chance of matching up newer wood with 200 year old poplar
but it has been toned down a bit and doesn't look too bad. Overall, it is as sturdy as day one and
everything is correct other than the top as mentioned.
Originally, chests such as this would have either been painted in various manners or simply given a
dark stain as I believe was the case here. When found the original finish was completely absorbed
and I chose to simply show the character of the large boards. If you are the artsy type, it would lend
itself to decorating as you wish very nicely. The inside was as clean as they come when found and
simply wiped down with a touch of wood oil which has since cured.
It's a good size antique chest with coffee table height. Would work well at the foot of the bed or as
additional seating for 2 and a couple dinner plates