A 19th Century Pine Chest With American Naval Battle Scene "Action on Lake Erie, 1813""

A 19th-century painted pine chest, British, mid-to-late 19th century, with later 20th-century artwork. The chest is made of white pine, and in the British construction methods, it includes a thin dovetailed casing. The hinged top with applied edge molding overhangs the chest body, now painted on the top and three of the chest sides. The top artwork is a brilliantly painted naval battle scene titled "Action on Lake Erie ~ 1813." In the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813, US naval forces under Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry decisively defeated the British fleet, resulting in the loss of six British ships and ensuring American control of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. The front panel features a painting of a spread-wing gold American eagle, clutching a ribbon banner stating: "Bostonian ~ 1810-1815." Each of the side panels states: "Capt. LC. Cantrell, Mess No. 2." All panels are decorated in gilt yellow paint, with decorative C-scroll corners. Both side panels feature heavy iron plates and bail-carrying handles. Applied molding surrounds the chest base with metal straps in the corners.

The lid is attached to the chest using strap hinges that open to an open interior with a lidded til on the right side and a shallow single drawer below. Retains the original lock and keep, but does not have a key. All of the artwork survives in excellent condition, without wear from years of handling and general home use. There is a slight bowing to the chest lid. Quite an impressive sea chest with historic American War of 1812 artwork.

DIMENSIONS: Width: 39 inches, Depth: 21 inches, Height 22 1/2 inches. Weighs 45 pounds.

I have seen a number of these paint-decorated furniture pieces, mostly imported in the 1980's and 1990's from the United Kingdom. British furniture importer warehouses were prominent during the last quarter of the 20th century. I used to preview these in both a store in bowling green, Virginia and Boone North Carolina. These pieces varied in types, but most were chest of drawers, chests and wardrobes/ linen presses. I believe this particular chests is a top example of this imported paint-decorated nautical-themed furniture.