This chest is a copy of a piece attributed to Joel Palmer, Fulton Co., Pennsylvania. The original chest last sold through Sotheby's and is now in a private collection. Three other Palmer chests are shown in Monroe Fabian's The Pennsylvania German Decorated Chest. The construction is by hand cut dovetails for the case, till and till lid are both made the right way. Bracket base is hand dovetailed also. Strap hinges are handmade as well. Paint decoration was done free-hand by a former friend of mine. Great bracket base. A nice gift for a special grandchild; actually, they are all special, aren't they? A color photo of the original is sent with each order. The bracket base is of wonderful design and includes paint decoration which further enhances its form. This bracket base is one of the finest I've ever seen, if not the finest. The Child's Chest would serve well as a coffee table in a High Country room setting; just the right height, 16". Also it could be used as an end "table" that offers good storage as well as its obvious decorative values. A toy box would be a possible use too.(1) The Blanket Chest is 36" L x 22" D x 16" H.

        Shows a close-up of the paint decoration on the Chest along with Grungy™ aging of the milk paint. Speaking of the paint, it is completely non-toxic when dry - safe. The picture also shows a very good image of the detail of the bracket base. You'll see many a bracket base over time, but it will be some time before you see one as good or better than the one that you see in these two photos.

(1) - Please remember, if children are going to be using the Chest, place the Chest against a wall, foot of the bed or somewhere else where the lid would have support or be stopped should the lid fall backwards.