A wonderfully original early 19th century Anglo American painted pine seaman''s chest, the exterior in a dry, worn black paint with original iron-mounted rope beckets to each end. The tapered chest is deeper at the base to ensure stability whilst on board ship.The interior lid reveals a striking folk-art tableau: a Union Flag and British Red Ensign flanking a stylised United States shield, beneath a hand-lettered scroll reading “Emblem of Liberty”. The painting is naļve yet confident, the colours softened but still vivid, and speaks of the post-War of 1812 period when Anglo-American maritime ties were both practical and symbolic. Beneath the flags two cannon face each otherUndoubtedly the work of a sailor , the interior decoration would have been a personal expression of identity, pride and political sentiment — concealed when the chest was closed, but displayed to those invited to look inside. The chest retains its original small candle/coin till to one side, and has...