|
INDIAN WAR PERIOD US ARMY LIMBER, AMMUNITION OR
TOOL BOX:
An interesting piece found in a West Texas ranch house
in the area of Fort Bliss, El Paso, this Indian War
Period US Army Chest survived in excellent condition
serving as a hope chest for the family. Although I have
not been able to firmly identify the intended use,
collectors and students of US Artillery have suggested
it was either a Limber Chest, an Ammunition Chest, or a
Tool Chest. This chest is solid throughout with no wood
rot or damage, measures 28” long, 15” wide and 14” high,
and retains approximately 90% of its original Indian War
Army Green paint. The four sides are constructed with
hand cut, large dovetailed joints and the four sides, as
well as the edges of the lid, are reinforced with black
iron straps inlet level with the surface of the wood.
The two iron strap hinges are inlet into the interior of
the back and underside of the lid and they are solid and
function well. The locking loop attached with a
heart-shaped iron plate is present, but the matching
hasp is missing, however this could be easily restored.
Each end is fitted with a cast iron loop handle in an
iron box that is inlet flush with the wood surface, so
that when the handle is not in use, it does not protrude
from the side of the box. One of the handle loops is
missing a small section, and again, could be easily
restored if so desired. This is an interesting chest
and would make a nice storage chest for your collection
display room. With the addition of a piece of heavy
glass to protect the top from moisture, the chest would
serve nicely as a table. $250
|
