Just picked up what I believe is a campaign box...possibly early American. 2 locks on the front. The bottom lock is a square brass key hole. I am trying to find a key to fit it. The size of it is very similar to your box.
Intriguing! What was this box used for? It clearly isn't a writing slope. The compartments seem wrong for holding documents or jewelry. And, like you, I'm very curious about why the box has so many secret drawers. All the seemingly dead space makes it obvious that they are present. Was there ever a fabric, baize, or leather lining? Anything stored inside would be likely to rattle enough to give away the game. One secret compartment is inevitable, just as you would find in a writing slope or jewelry box. There are only so many places you can put one, so I can see the value of giving it a standard location and mechanism, something to satisfy a thief or spy and discourage further tampering. Then, a second and much better concealed compartment to hold especially valuable or sensitive materials. But so many secret panels seems to invite rather than frustrate a determined investigation.
The box may have been used for a variety of small items from writing equipment to jewellery etc. The secret compartment drawers have never been lined and I guess if you wanted to prevent coins from rattling you would wrap them in some material. Although it may be obvious to seasoned thief where the secret drawers are likely to be, their method of opening still needs to be located and they would be in a rush. Also the pin would likely be kept separate to the box.
Love it. I would imagine a replacement drawer would not be too difficult to fabricate, as you could use the drawer from the other side as a template.
Just picked up what I believe is a campaign box...possibly early American. 2 locks on the front. The bottom lock is a square brass key hole. I am trying to find a key to fit it. The size of it is very similar to your box.
Intriguing!
What was this box used for? It clearly isn't a writing slope. The compartments seem wrong for holding documents or jewelry. And, like you, I'm very curious about why the box has so many secret drawers. All the seemingly dead space makes it obvious that they are present. Was there ever a fabric, baize, or leather lining? Anything stored inside would be likely to rattle enough to give away the game.
One secret compartment is inevitable, just as you would find in a writing slope or jewelry box. There are only so many places you can put one, so I can see the value of giving it a standard location and mechanism, something to satisfy a thief or spy and discourage further tampering. Then, a second and much better concealed compartment to hold especially valuable or sensitive materials. But so many secret panels seems to invite rather than frustrate a determined investigation.
The box may have been used for a variety of small items from writing equipment to jewellery etc. The secret compartment drawers have never been lined and I guess if you wanted to prevent coins from rattling you would wrap them in some material. Although it may be obvious to seasoned thief where the secret drawers are likely to be, their method of opening still needs to be located and they would be in a rush. Also the pin would likely be kept separate to the box.