Can I remove the wooden slots inside?

You can remove the slotted dividers, but it takes time. The makers glued and pinned these delicate wooden racks directly to the tray bases. Pulling them out isn't a good idea because it often tears the original baize lining. It is usually better to lift the fitted trays out and use the empty base section.

My chest has a brass plate on the top with a name on it but no date, so how do I figure out when it was made?

The construction methods give the clearest timeline. Look at the hinges and the type of locks fitted to the front. Hand-forged iron strapwork points to early production, while machine-cut screws suggest a later date. Research the name on the brass plaque. A family crest or a specific military rank can narrow down the decade the owner commissioned the box.

What is the green cloth lining made of?

The traditional lining is baize. It is a woven woollen fabric, similar to the material used on billiard tables. Makers chose wool because it breathes well and draws moisture away from the metal. This helps stop the contents from tarnishing while packed away. Sometimes you find later replacements in cotton velvet or synthetic felt. The original wool baize is thicker and has a slightly coarse texture.

I bought one of these at an estate sale recently and the key is missing, is there a way to get the main lock working again without damaging the wood?

A good locksmith can cut a new key for an antique lock. They take an impression of the internal levers without needing to force the mechanism. Don't try to pry the lid open or dig the lock out of the wood. The timber around the hasp is often brittle and splinters easily under pressure. If the lid is stuck shut, unfastening the hinges at the back is sometimes a safer way to gain access.

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Antique Silver Chests

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Antique silver chests are robust, often iron-bound timber boxes fitted with stacked, baize-lined compartments designed to securely store and transport a household's valuable flatware and holloware.