Early American Blanket Chest

Highlights

The overall design of this piece is Early American with the focal point being the raised panels creating the structure of the case. You will also notice ornate, yet reserved design elements such as the whimsical shapes in the base, the cove & half-round bead that creates the transition from the base to the case and the quarter-round bead around the lid.

The main case is comprised of 5 frame and panels (with the fifth being the bottom panel). The frames are joined with a traditional haunched mortise and tenon joint. This joint allows for a deeper mortise and tenon for strength while filling the groove on the end of the frame where the panel sits. The front/back and sides panels are joined with a miter joint, and in this case the glue joint is a long grain to long grain glue joint making it extremely strong. For additional strength, the bottom is a frame and panel allowing it to be glued solid while allowing the bottom panel to expand and contract with the seasons. The apron base has a shallow rabbet on the inside that registers against the bottom to support the weight of the case. The top is a solid panel and stabilized with battens to help keep it flat over time. The top is attached to the case with Rockler’s Lid Stay Hinges which keeps the lid open while accessing the inside of the case.