Late 19th Century Carpenter’s Tool Chest with Three-Tier Fitted Interior

1888

Large carpenter's tool chest constructed with vertically paneled wood sides, heavy base and rim moldings, reinforced iron corners, and iron carrying handles at each end. The metal-encased lid is decorated with punched designs depicting crossed hand tools and scrolling motifs, together with the initials "W. H." and the date "1888." Its fitted interior contains three levels of removable wooden tills, creating a graduated storage system for hand tools, hardware, and smaller implements. Tool-retaining catches are also mounted beneath the lid.

The first level spans the full interior and combines a large open section with two broader divided compartments. The two lower levels each occupy approximately half the interior, allowing access to the increasingly deep storage space beneath. Nearly all sections are subdivided into compartments of varying sizes. Iron corner plates, exposed fasteners, paneled construction, utilitarian joinery, and the elaborate punched lid give the chest a strong vernacular workshop character.

Overall in good condition for its age, with substantial wear from prolonged workshop use and storage. The lid hinges are present but are no longer attached to the lid. The lock mechanism is incomplete and nonfunctional, and no key is included. The metal lid covering exhibits oxidation, discoloration, staining, surface wear, small dents, and scattered losses. The wooden exterior shows scratches, abrasions, finish wear, staining, edge wear, small losses, and age-related separation.

Interior compartments exhibit scattered staining, dark discoloration, abrasions, tool marks, and general soiling. The bottoms of two removable tills are separating from their sides. The rear base molding is heavily worn, and the lower ends of the vertical floor-contacting slats exhibit severe decay and material loss. Additional wear and deterioration are visible around the lid rim, hinge locations, lower molding, and iron corner reinforcements.

40" L x 24.5" W x 22" H
Interior space: 35.75" tapering to 33.25" L x 21" W x 17" H
Level 1: top flush with surface of chest; 34.5" L x 11" W x 3.25" H; subdivided 15" L and 19.25" L compartments; non-subdivided 34.5" L x 8.25" W x 3.25" H
Level 2: sunk 4" from surface; 33.75" L x 5" W x 3.25" H for both; subdivided three times: ends are 9.25" L each and middle is 13.5" L; multi-compartment: five 4" L and one 11" L compartments
Level 3: sunk 7.5" from surface; 33" L x 5" W x 3.25" H for both; two compartments 15.25" L and 17" L; three compartments 14.75" L, 10" L, and 7" L

MM - C-22652 - 102726

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