Originally Posted by craigd
The close ups are interesting.

Now, I'm betting that the glued in, ...

No plane marks anywhere ...

looks like it might lean towards utilitarian construction, rather than best effort?

good observation on the growth rings. As I'm thinking about it, the simpler way to rejoin the top would have been to attach the strips directly to the inside. The rabbets make me think that, while not fancy or best, the box was not entirely utilitarian.

I had thought about the lack of planing tracks, but wasn't sure what to make of that. Probably speaks to the era of build, as you suggested.

Did you notice the marking gauge lines? They are faint, but present. I love seeing the remnants of hand work

[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]

Jim