Current project

Hi all,

Haven’t posted for a while (life :U).


Thought I’d show a little Red Cedar box that I found a couple of days ago. Sort of a mini blanket chest. Probably late 1800s.

About 2 foot by 1 foot.

All original apart from a replaced molding (Kauri) at the back of the lid where the hinges attach. I’ll make a cedar part for this.


The joints and the bottom skirt are tight, so this should be fairly straight forward.


I won’t make a detailed WIP for this, but I’ll show the finished product when done.

The box.

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Obligatory sump oil stain on the top.

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The top molding has a subtle cove and bead.

Later in its life someone bashed huge lattice-head nails all around the top. The smaller original nail holes (which were filled with red plaster) will be filled with either coloured hard wax or shellac stopper after reattaching. The larger holes may have to have cedar patches glued in.

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The bottom looks to be original red pine. It’s a bit loose so I’ll address that by possibly punching the nails further in, and adding a couple of nails. I’d prefer not to smash it up trying to remove it.
There also seems to be something written on it as well. My old eyes can’t make it out. May be just a name.

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Seems to be some nice fiddleback under the old polish. Looking forward to seeing how it comes up.

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Knowing the history of such an article is fascinating. With no "story" you can only speculate. I did a small repair job for an older woman one time and while talking to her she showed me an old rough blanket box. It was shabby and didn't fit together at all well. The "lid" which was just a single board didn't really fit well either. I thought what a piece of junk. The patina didn't advertise the timber it was made from until I lifted the lid. You could plainly see the timber of the box had been hand cut no power saw of any kind and that it was English Oak. She asked me if I could read the words written in pencil on the lid. It was a blokes name with the date of 1700 something. I had to reassess my first opinion of the box after reading the date and finding blacksmith hand made nails used to put it together as well as the leather "hinges". She did tell me what she knew about it but the details were very scant.

Morel of the story don't judge until you find the history
Good luck with your "heirloom project"

looks like the top line of writing says "Wayne" to me - couldn't make out the bottom.

The box is almost finished.
Just the polishing to go.

As a side note, the box is probably not as early as I thought.
The hinges are Stanley Works sweethearts which I believe are original.

Attachment 451804

Early 20th century possibly?

The box has bnow been moved into the house.

Thanks for having a look.

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