Antique Mahogony Three-Drawer Salesman's Sample / Apprentice Chest - Reserved for SS carved ivory and rear of the back

and rear of the back

Another curious tool

semi-circular wooden base of the scoop like a plug

In perfect vintage condition

which is just right

Antique Mahogony Three-Drawer Salesman's Sample / Apprentice Chest - Reserved for SS carved ivory and rear of the backThis gorgeous three drawer mahogany salesman's sample chest would have been used by a furniture maker as a visual aid to help make sales. Tabletop chests like these were also often "apprentice chests," created by furniture makers in training before undertaking full sized versions. Just stunning, I believe this one dates from the 1830s 1850s. It features three drawers (numbered in pencil on the back) with dovetailed corner joints and turned mahogany