Mariner's Chest
1796

"Jan Smart"
A name carved inside the heart identifies the owner of this mariner's chest as Jan Smart. Smart was probably a ship's officer from Philadelphia (common sailors kept their belongings in a duffel bag). Inside the chest he might have kept clothing, a book, or a musical instrument, and in the two small compartments, or tills, at each end of the chest small tools and sewing materials. The shape of the chest--broader at the base than the top--gave it greater stability at sea.

	Pine wood, painted blue, with dove-tail joints, iron strap hinges, a metal lock in the center front, fancy brass handles at each end, and carving around the edge of the lid.
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