Paint-decorated Poplar Blanket Chest

Paint-decorated Poplar Blanket Chest, Ohio, late 19th century, the molded lift top opens to a well with till, all on molded bracket base, the front with stenciled initials "AE 1883," painted overall in red/brown and yellow, the yellow revealed by the red being wiped away apparently by sponges and fingers, featuring foliate and striped designs, ht. 24, wd. 41 1/2, dp. 20 1/4 in.

Provenance: Purchased at an auction in Seville, Ohio, in a snowstorm, the day after Thanksgiving in 2002.

Note: The several issues of the Akron Beacon Journal newspaper from the end of World War II included were found in the chest at the time of purchase.