Blanket chest

Date1700-1725

MediumDeal throughout; paint, gesso, gilt, brass

DimensionsOH: 33 3/4"; OW (base): 44 1/2"; OD (base): 25 1/8"

Credit LineGift of Dr. F. R. Crawford

Object number1945-24

DescriptionBlanket chest; high, rectangular chest with domed, semi-circular lid hinged at rear on two large strap hinges; front corners of lid and all corners of chest embellished with triangular brass plates engraved with floral decoration and scrollwork; brass bail handle and engraved back plate on front of lid; high, rectangular chest with staight sides and front; plain interior; full-length drawer at base of front surrounded by double bead molding; large, diamond-shape brass escutcheon at center front of chest, engraved with designs similar to those on corner plates; large brass bail carrying handles, one on each side of chest; broad base molding; chest painted all over in red and decorated with japanning in chinoiserie designs of villages, trees, boats, fans etc.
ProvenanceKnown as "Governor Spotswood's Traveling Chest" to the Jones/Crawford family in which it descended. Possible line of descent based on family genealogy and recent history:
Gov. Alexander Spotswood (1676-1740) and Anne Butler Brayne Spotswood Thompson (c1708-1752); to Anne's stepdaughter Ann Thompson Thornton (1744-1815); to daughter Frances Thornton Jones (1760-1818); to son William Strother Jones Jr (1783-1845) to son Beverly Randolph Jones (1832-1912); to neice Ann Cary Randolph Jones (1860-1944); to nephew Dr. Francis Randolph Crawford (1884-1966) and neices Louisa Morrow Crawford (1897-1986) and Elizabeth Eleanor Crawford (Mrs. John Long) Jackson (1887-1981); to Colonial Williamsburg.