This blanket chest was made by Neil Ownby, of the Workshops of Charles Neil. Neil made this from a remarkable piece of antique wood, and set off the fire in the wood with his finishing techniques. He uses a traditional hand forged iron strap hinge for fastening the lid (HF-10) and that strap really finalizes the piece. Inside the case is a small compartment and he used a traditional method of keeping the lid up. He coupled the iron with our rosette pulls (H-10); which he used for the drawers along the bottom and also with our antique brass chest lifts which are on the side of the case.
Hi. I would love to know if this chest is available for purchase, and what the price might be. Thanks, Judith
re: Project by The Workshops of Charles NeilI'm very interested in what the 'traditional method of holding the lid open' might be - are any dtails available? Many thanks - Tony Law
re: Project by The Workshops of Charles NeilHi Tony, in the Shenandoah Valley blanket chests, it was typical for a small box inside the chest (as you see on the left) having a hinged lid. This box is called a "ditty" box. One of the corners of the lid is cut at an angle so that when you open the chest, you can raise the lid and it acts as a lid support. Hope this explains it. If you have other questions, feel free to email me at workshopofhcarlesneil@msn.com or visit my website at http://www.antiquesbuiltdaily.com
Charles Neil
re: Project by The Workshops of Charles NeilHow did you get the grain to "pop" like that? I like natural oil finishes, but the grain never pops out like your blanket chest. Nice work!
tiger maple popto get the maple to pop use a linseed oil base or a tung oil base oil,however insure you have one with a resin content and driers so as to build up the finish ,i suggest general finishes seal a cell over whatever dye you choose,additionally go to youtube.com search under woodworking and we have a video on making tiger maple pop,
charles neil
