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Recent sale find. Antique 1800s “seaman’s chest”. The trunk’s construction materials seem to be 1” thick single-wide pit-sawn heart pine boards. Dovetails. Could have been made in Massachusetts. Chest held the personal belongings of a seaman work-hand on a sailing ship that traveled from America to northern Europe in the mid 1800s (example: Rostock Germany trade port). This time period was called the “Age of the Sail”.
Condition is very good. Measures approximately 44x16x16. The interior is without rot, odor or insect infestation. The small “till” box is in great shape. Untouched. Forged hinges are original. The lock set is in place but has no key. A highly skilled locksmith (i.e., Koons Locksmith) can probably fabricate a new key for $150.
The exterior is only painted on 4 sides (top,front, left and right) which was the common practice at the time. The chest rear trim and field had once been painted with robin blue, then black and now a dark green.
The most distinct bright red flat-paint used on ships of the time was anti-fouling copper-oxide paint, which ship owners frequently applied to ship hulls to prevent barnacles and wood-eating worms. Because this flat red paint was already on board and heavily associated with the sea, it became a highly accessible and popular color for crew members to use on their own personal trunks. I believe the paint could be original to the piece.
The chest exterior side “cleats” are still firmly attached with large cut nails. One cleat has a Becket (rope handle). I don’t think the one Becket is original. Probably added in early 1900s. The top has overhanging edge skirt boards to prevent sea water from splashing inside of chest. Bottom has two skid boards with metal casters.
This is a wonderfull piece of maritime history. The chest will make a terrific display item, for conversation or for storage.
LOCATION: Fort Myers 33919. S Brandywine Circle north of Gladious Drive. Gated Brandywine Condominiums. Guard will direct you to my condo on morning of sale. Thank you.
You can always arrange and pay for your own pickup and shipping, for example USHIP.
