Colonial Mule Chest C. 1760

A large heavy mahogany mule chest with the typical blanket storage area and lidded candle box in the upper portion and two pull out drawers underneath. The strong construction is held together by hand-dovetail joints on all corners. The top is hinged by long, blacksmith-forged strap hinges and all other hardware is original and period to the piece. It is of fairly typical design with solid mahogany construction and bracket feet.

What finish that remains is generally good, with typical staining and oxidation evident. There is a moderate crack on the top that has not diminished the structural integrity due to two, beautifully inlaid 2 bands of wood that strengthen it from the inside. All surfaces are composed of single boards rather than joined structures that had to be held together by screws, or trenails. Mule chests were a distinctive dresser design that became popular in the 18th century when blankets and other textiles had to be stored. They generally were precursors to chests-of-drawers.

Vastly larger and heavier than dresser drawers they were usually relegated to long term storage of textiles and other effects, tending to become seasonal receptacles. While this one may seem large by chest-of-drawer standards, some are even taller and contain more drawers. A nice honest chest that will hold a ton of your best soft goods dry and securely into the next century.

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