MikeW
>I think it is erroneous to think that all 18th century chests support Adam's view. Perhaps American 18th century chests, I don't know.

The Seaton chest et al from the 18th century in England reflected then design--they didn't come from a vacuum or "suddenly appear" and, well, how can they "reflect 19th century design" when they were made in the 18th century? ;-)

"In a thread a while back I had asked about if 18th century shops had saw tills and Joel related how wood came from the mill in a closer size to what was needed thus precluding the need for rip and crosscut saws."

I would have to look the thread back up. I think *if* Joel made the statement concerning the lack of need for cross cut and rip hand saws, that too is erroneous and there isn't data to support the assertion. I suspect this will be one aspect we haggle over in Berea at our joint presentation if so.

Back to chests. It would be a fascinating study in itself. Especially if one were able to figure out whether the extant chests in America came over on ships or largely were built here. I think there will be a difference, as well as to whether the immigrant was already a joiner or cabinet maker, whether he primarily was a carpenter, etc. The depth to me would be staggering.

Take care, Mike
feeling a bit cantankerous today...