An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest

An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest

£650

Early 19th Century Painted Pine Sea Chest – “Emblem of Liberty”


A wonderfully original early 19th century painted pine seaman's chest, the exterior in a dry, worn black paint with original  iron-mounted rope beckets to each end.  The tapered chest is deeper at the base to ensure stability whilst on board ship.

The interior lid reveals a striking folk-art tableau: a Union Flag and British Red Ensign flanking a stylised United States shield,  beneath a hand-lettered scroll reading “Emblem of Liberty”. The painting is naïve yet confident, the colours softened but still vivid, and speaks of the post-War of 1812 period when Anglo-American maritime ties were both practical and symbolic.   Beneath the flags two cannon face each other

Undoubtedly  the work of a sailor , the interior decoration would have been a personal expression of identity, pride and political sentiment — concealed when the chest was closed, but displayed to those invited to look inside. 

The chest retains its original small candle/coin till to one side, and has the honest wear and knocks expected from a working piece that has travelled the world.

Wear, abrasions and paint losses to exterior; interior painting bright with age-related marks and small areas of surface wear. 

 

Measurements:  At base 87 cm, lid 92 cm wide.   Base 45 cm deep tapering to 40 cm deep at top.   41 cm high

British, c.1830

 

***Please ask for a quote for a courier as this is not included in the price***

An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
An early 19th century Anglo-American seaman's chest
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