The tag at the sale said 18th-century chest, which the antique dealer explained, was because of the dovetail joints and hardware. Well, I can't swear that's true, not knowing much about antiques, but I liked the way it tapers to the top and the way the wood smells old. I know, not very scientific or academic, but I liked it. And so we bought it, 18th-century relic or not.
