I have been looking at these blanket chests in antique stores, not really caring to buy one. I really didn't need another chest, but I loved the dovetails, key hole, and candle box inside.
Free with a little bit of work was just the right price for me.
What a neat roadside find!
There is an interesting mystery to me behind this little blanket chest find.
The first owners of our home were the Heiseys.
I found this chest at the other end of our small town. When I opened the lid, there were two names written in child-like cursive writing, Dorothy and Beatrice Heisey. I was curious to find out whether these two girls were related to the first owners of our home. I believe they were from a Mennonite background, so I was actually able to match who I believe is the first owner of our home with two sisters named Dorothy and Beatrice. Am I positive? no...but it is neat to think that the guy's sisters' hope chest is in a home that he once owned.
Here it is the day I picked it up. Stained and broken, hubby was not very enthused.
I am not sure how old it is.
It was painted with a wood graining technique.
The wood that chipped off of the chest's lid where the hinges are was still in the trunk.
I had high hopes that I could fix this and actually use it.
I glued the wood pieces back on the lid and
sanded it down to the natural poplar wood.
It was beautiful just sanded.
I left the writing on the inside lid, but I don't think you can see it in the picture.
I used Annie Sloans' Dark wax to finish it.
It turned turned out beautiful, and the lid seems pretty solid.
