A robustly-built 19th century sailor's slide-lid box that had been passed down through a Newfoundland family with merchant navy ties going back to WWI and sailor history pre-dating 1900. This box appears to be crafted from full 1" thick camphorwood planking secured together with massive dovetails, much as you'd expect to see a sturdy sea chest of the period built. In true Newfoundland fashion, this wood was likely salvaged from some other ship's piece, or perhaps from planking brought back from a foreign port in the Orient. The top and bottom appear to be pine, with the bottom held in place with large square nails. The lid shows plenty of wear from use, particularly in the front area where the oils of the hand would grasp the box. Third quarter 19th century.
