Why is the brass all black and dull?

The brass tarnishes naturally over time through exposure to oxygen and moisture. Marine environments speed up this process. Many collectors prefer to leave this dull patina intact. It shows the age of the piece and requires far less maintenance than regular polishing.

I noticed the one I am looking at has leather handles on the sides instead of metal ones, does that mean it was for something else?

Leather lifting beckets often replace metal handles on certain maritime examples. Sailors crafted these thick rope and leather loops on board ship to prevent metal hardware from damaging adjacent cargo. They serve the same function as flush brass handles. The leather simply provided a softer grip and reduced the risk of sparks.

Can I store my winter clothes in it?

You can safely store most textiles inside. The natural wood oils still deter clothes moths. Just place a plain sheet at the bottom first. This stops raw timber touching delicate fabrics directly.

When I open the lid there is quite a strong smell, is that from old mothballs or is that just what the raw wood smells like?

That aroma comes entirely from the wood itself. Camphor trees naturally produce this resin, and cabinetmakers selected the timber specifically for this lasting scent. Previous owners rarely needed to add chemicals. The thick boards retain their natural oils for decades, especially inside a closed box. Leaving the lid open for a few days softens the smell. It returns once closed again.

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Antique Camphor Chests from the 19th Century

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These solid wood trunks feature distinctive brass bindings and a strong aromatic scent, originally built to help ship officers and travelling military personnel store uniforms safely during long nineteenth-century sea voyages while relying on the raw timber to repel insects.