An Early New Mexican Framed Pine Chest with Original Paint

New Mexican Spanish Colonial

Late 18th to early 19th century | Pine | Item 823

This is a rare and early New Mexican framed chest, likely dating from the late 18th to the early 19th century. It still holds the original deep brown red paint, which was applied to the top, front and end sides. It is unclear if the backside was painted. The four vertical panels making up the box are much thicker than they appear. They are smooth surfaced on the outside, but on the inside they show their thickness with a deep beveled cut on all sides. The framing lines on the exterior are workmanship from a highly skilled carpenter. These framing lines are actually built out of the vertical (stiles) and horizontal (rails) supports and are not a part of the facia boards. All the boards are single cut except for the top and the bottom. The top and bottom are comprised of two tongue and groove boards that are 1″ (top) to 1 1/8″ thick (bottom). Framing boards have likely been added at a later date to the top.

I have yet to figure out the story of this box. One complication is I suspect that what is now the front may have originally have been the back. There is no evidence of remaining original hardware. All that remains here are the holes used to contain the hardware. On top of that, later boards have been applied to the box that cover up potential information. The existing two hinges for the top are a later addition. Wood pegged nails can be seen at the corners for making the joinery.