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  PAINT-DECORATED, MAINE BLANKET CHEST, CIRCA 1790-1810, IN EARLY RED PAINT WITH BLACK DECORATION THAT INCLUDES A REPEATING, STYLIZED “M”
Dimensions (inches): 23.25" t x 48.25" w x 19.5" d
Description:
Six-board, State of Maine blanket box, with plank sides that end in reverse-sweetheart style, bootjack feet. This is a very early example, made circa 1780-1810. The surface is painted red and decorated with black sponging which includes large swirls on each side and a prominent, repeating, stylized “M” on the face. This is repeated twice on the top, though more hidden, as if to approximate false graining.

Made of pine, the construction is accomplished with overlapping joints and T-head nails. The top has a molded edge, with shaped splines at either end, and is affixed with small, iron, butt hinges. These were at some point moved from their original position, inside the chest, to the exterior of the reverse. There is a till on the interior with a hinged lid, below which is a narrow, open shelf.

Condition: There are a couple of fine cracks on the face and back, due to shrinkage, emanating from a few of the points where it was nailed. These are expected, are not unsightly, and have no impact on structural integrity. The back received some sort of impact that splintered it along the left edge (when viewed from the reverse), near the center, to which a repair was made. I couple of later nails were added. The hinges were at one time moved, as previously noted. The paint is in exceptional condition, with very minimal scratches or losses. The state of the top is particularly remarkable, especially given its early date.
   
Primary Color: red, black
Earliest Date: 1780
Latest Date: 1810
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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