how heavy is an oak chest usually?

Weight varies sharply depending on the timber thickness and the overall size of the carcase. A standard framed seventeenth-century example takes two strong adults to lift comfortably. Six board chests are lighter. The lack of heavy framing stiles keeps the mass down, but they still weigh more than modern furniture.

My grandmother left me this big wooden trunk and it has this strong smell inside, is it safe to store clothes in it now?

That scent is likely camphor or cedar. Cabinet makers used these woods specifically to deter moths and insects during long sea voyages or prolonged domestic storage. It is generally safe for clothing. If the smell is overpowering, leave the lid open in a dry room for a few days to let the timber breathe.

can you fix broken wooden hinges?

Pin hinges can be repaired. A restorer will drill out the broken wooden dowel and insert a new one. Iron strap hinges present a tougher challenge. A blacksmith often needs to forge a matching section if the original metal has snapped across the joint.

There are all these little round wooden pegs on the front of my box, are they just for decoration or do they hold it together?

Those pegs are functional. They drive through the mortise and tenon joints to lock the framing timbers together. Joiners preferred this method over glue, which often failed in damp conditions. Some pegs sit slightly proud of the surface. As the carcase wood shrinks over the years, the dry pegs are squeezed outwards.

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Victorian Chests

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An antique chest is essentially a rectangular wooden box fitted with a hinged lid, traditionally built to store blankets, linens, and domestic goods while keeping them off the damp floor.