Spice Cabinet, Chester County, PA., c. 1760

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Made in 1/12th scale by Wm. R. Robertson, 2000

 

This Chester County spice cabinet was copied from the style made in the Philadelphia area in the mid 18th Century. These were made to keep small valuables. The miniature is made of cherry and pear wood, brass and steel. Robertson used either ebony or ivory for the knobs. The case and its drawers have dovetail joints, just as the full cabinet does. Robertson cut these by hand with a jeweler’s saw. The door frames were assembled using through-mortice and tenon joints. The lock works and the chest has secret compartments behind the drawers, one row up from the bottom.

 

The exploded display was inspired by a full-scale desk that master cabinetmaker Mack Headley made for Colonial Williamsburg. This is wonderful way to see all the detail and work that goes into a miniature just over an inch tall. This exploded view is in display at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures in Kansas City, Missouri.