Spice Box

The history and function of this piece is what intrigued me to build this 200-year old spice box reproduction. During that period, spices were difficult to acquire and very costly. Therefore, royalty would have these spice boxes created to keep their spices under lock and key.

When the dovetailed key/mechanism (concealed under lower drawer) is triggered, the back of cabinet drops down revealing a “secret” drawer compartment used to hide their most prized possessions and spices. Lower right photo displays bottom drawer removed, back dropped down and secret drawer exposed. Also, notice drawer construction with tapered bottom secured with nails to remain consistant with that period.

The primary wood used was cherry with white holly inlay on the door and poplar as the secondary wood used for drawer sides, etc. In an effort to learn how to make dovetailed drawers I “hand-cut” similarly to the way they were originally done during that period.

The upper and lower portions of the door have stopped dadoes along their length to house the “tongues” of the large center section, allowing it to “move” with the changes in humidity. Incidentally, I have seen this door expand and contract just over 1/8th inch as a result of these changes.

This was a very challenging project to build. By choosing more and more difficult projects, it forces me to stretch beyond the things already accomplished. Then, by overcoming these challenges I feel great satisfaction knowing I achieved it.