How do I fix a loose strap hinge?

Fill the old holes first. A traditional trick is to glue in wooden dowels or matchsticks. Once the glue sets hard, you can drill a fresh pilot hole. Drive a new screw into the solid wood to secure the ironwork.

My grandmother kept blankets in an old stripped pine chest but it always leaves a waxy residue on the fabric when we use it now. What causes this?

That residue comes from past restoration. During the late twentieth century, dealers dipped these chests in caustic soda to remove the original paint. After stripping, they often applied thick layers of beeswax. The soft wax never fully hardens and transfers easily to textiles stored inside. You can line the interior with unbleached cotton calico to protect your fabrics. Alternatively, wash the inside with white spirit to remove the excess wax.

What is a blanket box?

It is just a trade term. Dealers use it interchangeably with antique pine chests. The name highlights their common use for bedroom storage at the foot of a bed.

I have noticed that some of these large wooden trunks have slightly domed tops instead of flat lids. Was there a specific reason for making them that way?

Domed or camel-back lids shed water. They were popular for coaching trunks and pieces expected to travel outside on carriages. The curved shape also stops other heavy luggage from resting on top during transit. This protected the chest from crushing under heavy loads.