Thread: Dovetails without Glue

I have a seaman's chest that belonged to my great grandfather (almost identical to these) that is all wedged dovetails down the sides of the carcass. I have been meaning to post a question on the forums as to why this construction method would have been used but I see this topic has been recently covered in the blogsphere and in this thread. I had deduced before reading this thread that it was to fix the joint in both directions and it certainly looks effective. This chest has had a hard life and is still as rigid as when it was made. Can't say the same for the hand made nails that hold the base on. They have rusted away almost completely.

They must have had a quick way to cut all those wedges though. Their must be at least 40 in my sea chest alone.