Curly Cherry Cabinet

1780’s REPRODUCTION

This is a reproduction of a 1780’s spice box. The wood is striking - I found it stashed in the back of a lumber mill and knew that I had to have the highly figured curly cherry. You'll be able to use it to store valuables - there are five secret compartments to be used for documents and valuables.

The box features hand-cut dovetails, moldings, and bracket feet. The interior drawer faces are adorned with walnut stringing on figured pink eucalyptus. I installed an antique bubble glass panel, which makes the stringing look wavy (most spice cabinets have a solid wood panel). It fits the period of the piece and shows off the interior beautifully, don’t you think? The spice box is a lockable box (the lock is made in England by a traditional locksmith company that goes back to 1800 and is authentic to the period).

I’m proud of this project - the combination of woods, the window effect, and the fine details. I like all of the secret compartments. This cabinet (with the dividers) took about two weeks to put together and fit-out. The drawers took another week and a half weeks. Final finishing took another week to complete.

Pattern design is from Fine Woodworking Bi-Monthly publication, Steve Latta.

For sale on ETSY