Lot 509: Victorian Pine Carpenters Tool Chest
A large utilitarian storage chest of rectangular form, constructed from pine with traditional dovetailed joinery at the corners. The hinged lid is fitted with three reinforcement slats secured by screws and features cleated ends. The carcass sits upon a simple projecting plinth base. To the front is a circular brass escutcheon. The interior is open and undivided, revealing wide wooden floorboards and a substantial iron and brass two-bolt lock mechanism. No key is provided. A small orange and white adhesive sticker is attached to one of the lid reinforcement slats, bearing the handwritten numbers 20 and 28; this does not constitute a manufacturer’s mark. No other marks, stamps, or labels are visible on the piece.
Condition report:
The chest exhibits surface wear, scratches, and staining consistent with its age and utilitarian function (photo 1). The lid has several dark water or ring marks and deep scratches (photo 1). Minor chips and scuffs are present on the woodwork, particularly at the corners of the plinth base (photo 1). The exterior and interior hardware show surface oxidation and a developed patina (photos 1 and 2). The interior shows scattered staining and dust but is otherwise clean (photo 2). Several screw heads are visible on the exterior, some of which may represent later reinforcements or repairs (photo 1).
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