Unusual Canted Little
Document Box
--Dated 1778
With Big Bold Dovetails 

New England, ca. late 18th century, dated under the lid 1778.

The canted design on such a small box is unusual, one typically sees this feature on large chests made for use on a ship, the wider base reducing the potential to tip in rough seas. Perhaps this box was made for ship use as well. Hand-wrought nails, and especially large dovetails for such a small size. High degree of originality retaining the lock, snipe hinges, batons under projecting molded lid, and dark, worn, original surface. Appears to be mostly maple with a bit of pine. Soft sheen from burnishing from frequent handling.

Exceptional robust undamaged structural condition. About 12 inches x 4 3/8 deep at the base, 4 1/8 at the lid, x 4 ¾ tall.