This small 18th century wooden chest could have been used for a variety of personal treasures. The client was only concerned with replacing and restoring the scalloped leather trim and edging that had all deteriorated. This decorative element also served to keep dust from entering the seam of the box. The lining is a decoupage of a Salem Gazette newspaper.
The first step is to remove the original tacks and leather trim.
Continuing to carefully remove and assess the trim and condition of the old wood.
After hand dying leather to match the original, a custom scallop edge cutting tool is used to create a new trim strip of leather.
The original tacks were still in good condition and were re-used to attach the new leather stripping.
A final check for fitting and hinge closure.