Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Jeff Drum, post: 2454262, member: 6444&quot;]I&#039;m skeptical and think the 20th century dates we all gave earlier are more likely to be correct. The whole purpose of making a miniature piece for an apprentice cabinet maker in the 19th century would be to show his skills while working in miniature. But this box has been simplified so that very little skill is needed and virtually no hand work.</p><p><br /></p><p>Lack of dovetails, using a blind locking rabbet instead, which is a 20th century joint and used by midwest factories (<a href="https://www.lanecedarbox.com/copy-of-accessories" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.lanecedarbox.com/copy-of-accessories" rel="nofollow">https://www.lanecedarbox.com/copy-of-accessories</a>), is only part of it. The base is butted and nailed to the carcass and the joint covered with a molding whose only purpose is to cover what would otherwise be an ugly exposed butt joint (this is obvious when viewed from the back). Round finish nails are used to hold the base and molding; not at all what one would expect in the 19th century. As has been pointed out the lock and hinges are also 20th century. The feet are compound with separate pieces for the square top and turned bottom. It is only the key eschutcheon that looks like it could have been hand done, but those are readily available still today, factory produced in lots of different sizes.</p><p><br /></p><p>The form may be roughly correct for an early miniature blanket box, but the construction indicates otherwise. Both need to be considered when trying to judge the age.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in