Exceedingly Rare
MINIATURE Sea Chest 

New England, ca. 1820-1830.

A delightful tiny sea chest GEM, the form mirroring full-size sailor’s chests, retaining its original, richly oxidized blue paint with vibrant mustard-yellow features (and a bit of red). The lid is centered by a bold six-pointed star, a diamond escutcheon frames the keyhole, and carved wooden beckets are attached to the ends.

Tiny cut nails join the box and the attached canted moldings on the lid and base. Original hinges. Inside is an open till. The high-character surface is dry and well patinated. This little chest was clearly actually used, probably for holding small valuables. Excellent condition with minor expected wear and imperfections.

Just 6 1/4 inches long x 3 1/2 wide a 3 1/2 tall.

A little painted Americana treasure that one will likely never see the likes of again.

Provenance: For more than 50 years in the personal collection of Ted and Carole Hayward, Yankee Smuggler Antiques, Richmond, NH, a piece that they would never sell despite being frequently asked; Sandra Cutchin, Dover, NH; most recently in a fine Midwest collection.