Chest restoration & reinforcement

[bassmansimon]

Hi all.

I've recently been given this blanket box / chest as a present.
It needs a fair bit of TLC, and I'm hoping it's not too much to restore. (pic 1)

The main problem is that the top has a split in it, going about half the length of the box lid. (see pic 3 and 4)

The cosmetic damage I think i can handle (pic 2). I've done a minor restorations before with this kind of damage to the finish (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f173/great-grandfathers-cigar-box-85466/index2.html)

My question is about the split. I don't want one of my nieces to come over and sit / jump on it and end up going through the box! I can see that it has been reinforced in the past (pic 4) or is this how they were originally made? Any other ideas on how to fix this damage?

[bassmansimon]

Also, does anyone know where to get quality brass latches and corners? You can see where there used to be corner pieces and side pieces of brass on it, but all that remains is the side handles. the lock, latch, and corner & side bits are long gone

[toolbagsPLUS]

Hi bassmansimon,

First brass bits. Watson Brass Fittings, Reproduction Antique Cabinet Hardware (http://www.watsonbrass.com.au/)

Second it's the way that the chest has been constructed that unfortunately has led to the split.

Over time timber dries out and if it is fixed at the edges has nowhere to expand and contract. In this and most cases the contractions are relieved by the timber splitting in the weakest part of the board.

No much you can do unless you want to make it into a floating top. Or alternatively keep the top moist by leaving a bowl of water inside it for a while and you will find the split with come together again. But once it dries out the split will return. Even if you re-glue it eventually it will split if not there somewhere else.

Cheers

Steve