Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/16/2011

Question
A customer of mine had me refinish this cedar chest.  It is so unique in design I was hoping to find out more about it.  I have included a photo after refinishing and polishing.  The lid opens like a normal chest but only reveals the top layer or drawer. The top 3 layers pivot to the right on a bolt attached to the layer below. Some of the strapping is copper but most is just plain metal or tin, but all tacks are copper. The handles and locks are copper coated. I could find no writing, stamp, or name anywhere on it. I was not able to find any chest that swiveled on the internet but did find some chests that had similar strapping. I questioned the customer about refinishing an old chest with such nice patina but they insisted.
Thanks in advance,

Answer
Hi Corby
Nice to hear from you.
Wish I could have seen this chest before it was refinished. Did you happen to take a before picture?
It is my opinion that this chest has been hand made (and very well made) in the not so distant past. My guess in the 60's.
Usually such chests show age even with the original finish removed.
The strapping and locks also do not look old and somehow don't look like they belong on an old cedar chest.
The finish job is awesome by the way and I commend you for that.
I have never seen a chest like this. Amazing really.
I am hoping you will ask the antique experts on site about this. Mr Klein or Taylor may shed some light on this (same page you found me).
Regards
Eileen