An 18th c. Bible or valuables box in original  thinning red paint.
Constructed entirely of eastern white pine wood. Its body features large dovetial joints  in each corner with the tails exposed while retaining original scribe lines. Its base is applied via a series of small forged iron nails, small in size preventing fissures when shrinkage occurs.
The thumbnail molded lid is attached utilizing iron snipe hinges with their originality fully intact. Two pine wood cleats run amomgst the horizontal ends of the lid and are attached with wonderful early driven nails and clinched on the top of its lid. 
The original lock and staple plate remains intact, applied with superb rosehead nails. Seldom are these boxes found with their original lock remaining intact.
Survives in such a wonderfully preserved state of original condition, having no flaws, repairs, or enhancements of any kind with original thinning red paint remaining. Extrodinary historic surface elements are present with multiple centuries of patina visibly present, signs of light wear and historic use. A superb box of its kind for large proportions, best of kind surface properties and originality. 
Massachusetts origin. Ca. 1740-1760. 26 1/2"W x 15D x 8 1/4T.