19th Century American Primitive Pine Blanket or...

Tool Chest. This 19th-century American primitive chest is of simple pine plank construction, likely intended for use as a blanket chest or a small tool storage box. The rectangular chest features a flat lid with a simple molded edge, opening on later-added iron butt hinges to reveal a single open interior compartment. The front panel is centered with a brass marquise-shaped escutcheon secured by two small brass pins. The sides are fitted with iron drop bail handles on rectangular backplates. The piece shows evidence of original iron corner strap reinforcements, though many are now missing or damaged. It is held together with a combination of hand-forged nails, clouts, and early screws. No maker marks, labels, or stamps were identified during inspection. A single skeleton key is included wi...