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Author
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Topic: Chest help
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Ziad
Member
Member # 158
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posted 12-12-2005 09:36 PM
   
No, not looking for excersizes for my pectorals. Seriously - I am looking for a way to accurately figure the date on a 6-board chest. There is one advertised on line as "American" and "1800s, perhaps earlier". There are about 6 pictures, one of which at least shows an indication of strap hinges which have since been replaced...Can anyone think of something to look for to help decide? My hunch is that it is actually European in provenance, though seriously underdecorated; the price is reasonable for an American piece of the 1800s, fantastic for something 15th/16th c. and European. Wishes and dreams, I know. Z
(formerly known as allahuakbar) -------------------- De gustibus non disputandam est.
Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged
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Ulfgar
Member
Member # 225
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posted 12-13-2005 06:36 PM
I may be able to help. Can you give the URL to the chest? I occasionally date early furniture as part of my job.[ 12-13-2005: Message edited by: Ulfgar ] -------------------- Yes, these are bruises from fighting.That's right, I'm enlightened!
Registered: Oct 2001 | IP: Logged
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Ziad
Member
Member # 158
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posted 12-14-2005 05:48 AM
I misplaced the URL, will have to replicate the search. Just from memory, though - it seems to have had a candle box at one time; the hinges that are on it now are the small "hidden" type, and there are indications that it had long, strap-type hinges at one point, and at least two separate (now missin) sets of lock furniture. Anything else I should look for?Thanks Z -------------------- De gustibus non disputandam est.
Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged
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Woodcrafter
Member
Member # 197
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posted 12-16-2005 03:35 PM
Tree ring dating.
European vs North American wood species.
Numerous dovetail construction, whether blind or not.Otherwise there is no way of telling by using coin/candle tills, strap hinges, or number of locks. Further a chest could be made in 1600 and then someone carves 1820 on it when it is given as a gift.... IF it was carved in 14th century style, then quite possibly it was done in the 14th century.
Same goes for 16th and 18th century Europe. However if it is a plain chest, chances are very good it is North American, as such chests are known for their plain style. If it is early European, ie 15th century or there abouts, then it very probably survived because it was in a very secure place such as a religious institution or ancestral home. In which case it was retained because it was heavily carved or iron bound. I would give a date for the chest of your interest as possibly 1800 or Later. Simply because there are many similar surviving chests from that time period. [ 12-16-2005: Message edited by: Woodcrafter ] -------------------- Woodcrafter
14th c. Woodworking
Registered: Jul 2001 | IP: Logged
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Ziad
Member
Member # 158
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posted 12-16-2005 08:59 PM
Thanks - I guess I will have to take it as advertised then - American, later than period. Not iron-bound, not decorated. No dovetails at all, just a simple rabbet with nails.I found another chest today. In person, not on line - seems to be European, in very sad shape. Looks like an Italian or Spanish wedding chest, just from style and heraldry. Strangely, the female side of the chest seems to have been changed, but not the male; as though it had been used by a father and then the son (or a grandson). Fairly distinctive achievements, as well. I took some pictures, will try to get them on line soon... I wrote down more details as well, if anyone is interested. Z -------------------- De gustibus non disputandam est.
Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged
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