Camp chests are very convenient when it is practicable to carry them. In fixed camp and old trunk will do; but if you are traveling from place to place, the boxes should be small, weighing not over 50 or sixty pounds each when packed, so that one man can easily handle them unassisted. If they are specially made, cottonwood is the best material (if thoroughly seasoned board can be had – otherwise it warps abominably). It is the strongest and toughest wood for its weight that we have, and will not splinter.
For the ends and lids of small chests, 5/8-inch stuff is thick enough, and 3/8-inch for the sides, bottoms and trays. The bottom should have a pair of 5/8-inch cleats for risers and the top a similar pair to keep it from warping, unless the chests are to go on pack animals. Strap hinges and hasp, a brass padlock and broad leather ed straps (not drop handles) should be provided, and the chest painted.
— “Camping and Woodcraft” (Outing Publishing, 1916) by Horace Kephart
Is that camel-shaped lock yours? Want! (And is it available in feline form?)
Yup. That is mine.
This Indian seller has tons of cool locks. No domestic felines. But they do have this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-VERY-OLD-LION-SHAPE-BRASS-LOCK-ORIGINAL-KEY-ANTIQUE-BRS-EHS-/301001763892?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item46151a6c34
Shop around on that site a bit and you can save $11 on the same lock. You may need to “antique” it a bit, but a couple of days in stale horse urine that has been strained through horse dung does the trick handily.
Cool!
Is this cottonwood the same as what we would call cottonwood nowadays?
I think so. I built a workbench base with it once. He’s correct.
Cottonwood, along with its close relatives aspen and poplar (true poplar–not the wood that is sold as yellow poplar, and is actually a kind of magnolia), is a bit like bamboo: long, strong fibers embedded in a relatively soft matrix. This makes the wood very tough and flexible, but at the same time very easy to dent. The surface softness and the fact that it can be difficult to get a smooth finish because of the hardness contrast is the reason that it has a poor reputation as a furniture/cabinetmaking wood.
Yup. You can buy it in the Midwest at Home Depot where it is sold as “landscape timbers” in 6x6s.
It is quite difficult to get smooth.
Ah yes, camping gear from the days when camping meant bringing along a few lackeys to haul your gear. Wonder if any of the neighborhood teenagers are looking for pocket change and a free trip to Isle Royale….
I’ll haul your gear to Isle Royale, Clay.