Chest of mystery

January 27, 2011 12:21 PM

So I have to restore this small chest which is no big deal, but I have no idea what it actually is.

I just have to do some veneer restoration which won't be a problem, but me and my boss are clueless as to what this piece actually is.

Here is a slightly blurred picture with a 4 foot level for scale reference.
Pic 1

Another view with the lid open and an interior "lid" dropped down.
Pic 2

Another view with the interior lid up and a smaller lid opened. Also note the 3 compartments on the sides which have removable tops (as in pic6.)
Pic 4
Pic 6

In picture 4 you can see the small interior compartment which also has 4 small drawer spaces "hidden" under the 3 compartments on the top level.

Anyone have any ideas? We have ruled out a writing table because the drop down surface on the cover of the piece has no support whatsoever. Just a jewelry box? A game box? I'm stumped.

Have a few more pics if needed.

posted by Max Power to Grab Bag (6 answers total)

Looks like an antique humidor to me.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 12:25 PM on January 27, 2011

Yeah, humidor.
posted by notsnot at 12:44 PM on January 27, 2011

Response by poster: It's not a humidor.
posted by Max Power at 3:42 PM on January 27, 2011

Antique sewing box?
posted by Admiral Haddock at 3:50 PM on January 27, 2011

I'd say Men's valet box but I've never seen a stand mounted one that didn't have a place to hang a pair of pants and a jacket.
posted by Mitheral at 6:10 PM on January 27, 2011

I'm also thinking sewing or needlework box. The compartments were often lined, but may still have wood lids.
posted by oneirodynia at 7:36 PM on January 27, 2011