Little board chest

This diminutive chest probably was intended for a child, regarded less as a toy than as a means of inculcating adult values of order and neatness. The initials of the original owner (RG) now are covered by an early, tin-plated lock. Like several other chests by Tilden, this example was painted vermillion or red. It is ornamented with sawtooth patterns, gouge work, and incised decoration similar to a group of full-size board chests attributed to the Tilden shop.