SOLD
 
An absolutely stunning example of an early 19th century sailor's chest. Of tapered profile, in original dark green and black paintwork, tarred canvas-covered lid, and leather becket handles secured by carved mahogany cleats. Inside the lid is an early, naively painted, three-masted clipper, most likely done by the sailor himself using crude oil paints from the ship's stores. The chest interior is painted sky blue and incorporates a mahogany-lidded candle box. This maritime antique sports lots of originality, even down to the hand-cut brass lock escutcheon. A rare find.