Chest

Date1700-1750

MediumWhite pine and iron

DimensionsOH: 20 1/4" OW: 56 3/4" OD: 20"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1964-221

DescriptionFlat, rectangular top, secured to back by concealed, wrought iron strap hinges; top braced on underside, at each end, by broad, rectangular brace, cut out at front and rear, and molded along lower, outside edge; Plain front and sides that taper slightly towards top, the corners secured with wrought iron angle straps as is the base to the front and back; brass escutcheon at center front around keyhole; original wrought iron grab lock and loop handles at either side; interior plain except for till with molded lid at upper left; painted brownish-yellow over original green.Label TextThis chests is believed to have been origially owned by Robert Sanders (1705-1765) of Albany, New York and includes both branded and carved initials of his name. Utilitarian chests like this could have been used while traveling, making the branded and carved initials useful for identifying ownership, much like today's luggage tags. Chests with slightly canted sides (tapering towards the top) are thought to have been sea chests as the wider base provided greater stability. Travel between Albany, Kingston, and New York City would have been completed on shipboard via the Hudson River during the 18th century.Mark(s)"RS" scratch carved on upper surface of lid at center. Conjoined "S/R" (bottom curve of S forms top of R) branded into upper surface of lid at center above the larger "RS" initials.ProvenanceOriginally owned by Robert Sanders I (1641-?) or his grandson Robert Sanders II (1705-1765), Mayor of Albany. Likely descended to Robert Sanders II (1705-1765) daughter, eigher Debora (Sanders) Sanders, wife of her first cousin John Sanders II, or Maria (Sanders) van Rensellaer, wife of Philip van Rensellaer. Unknown descent through the family to Pearl S. G. Sanders. To Colonial Williamsburg in 1963.