Our Pennsylvania Dower Chest is reminiscent of its ancestors from the 1700s when a young woman would store her prized works of seamstress artistry in the form of quilts, blankets, household items and family heirlooms. These works would be kept safely in the “Aus schteier Kischt” (dower chest), also known as the hope chest or blanket chest, until the time she married when the chest would be carried on a horsedrawn wagon to her new home.

In the 18th century, Pennsylvania Dutch craftsmen would create these chests for their daughters with fine craftsmanship and often decorative painting or carving. Our chest is enhanced with our attention to detail, beautiful hardware, and an incredible option in curly maple. This chest endures time with its beauty, quality construction, and historical significance. With this woodworking kit you can build a gift for the ages that indeed has been a gift for the ages.

The construction of this kit is improved over years past by using a stile and rail construction for the front design rather than simply a pierced front board (which can be very fragile). This lends much greater strength and integrity to the piece. In addition, we are returning to the 18th century dovetail construction which provides very attractive accents and evidence of the fine craftsmanship this piece deserves.

Assembled size is 46" w  X  20 1/2" d  X  24 1/2" h.

This version is shown in curly maple, our favorite for this classic piece. This kit is also available in select cherry and African mahogany. Please note the original photos do not show the product improvements in the exposed dovetail joinery (shown separately in other images). 

Note: Allow 6 - 8 weeks for this kit to ship.