Back in 2006 I began an ill-fated project wherein I bound a bunch of small books (22 in all) and gave them to various people, who were then to fill them with treatises written with pen and ink in a period voice on a subject on which they had some expertise. I only ever received one of them back. In anticipation of a higher rate of return, however, I built this chest to hold the books, so that I could transport them to events to be read. The box is loosely based on a 14th century German casket.
I believe the wood is basswood, chosen for its ease of carving, finished with linseed oil. The hardware is oil-blackened 18ga mild steel, except for the handle which was made from some random 1/4″ round steel bar stock. Construction is done with modern PVA glue and horseshoe nails. The original innards of the lock were a made-up concoction of sheet brass and springs that failed under repeated use. I replaced the mechanism with a simple notched steel bar on a couple of brackets, with a leaf spring made from part of a hair barrette to provide friction.
The carvings on the sides of the box show scenes from the life of St. Lawrence, the patron saint of librarians.
Front: Lawrence is charged by Pope Sixtus II with the protection of the Church; Lawrence receives the treasures of the Church.
Side: Lawrence distributes the treasure to the poor.
Rear: Lawrence before Emperor Valerian; Lawrence converts the guard Hippolytus
Side: Lawrence is marytred on the gridiron.
Band on the side
Bands on the side and bottom
The handle
Hinges
The key was cut down from an antique iron key, and decorated with cotton lucet cord and tassels.
The hasp
The lock (closed)
The lock (open)
The lock and key
The inside is lined with glued-in cotton velveteen.
