Assembling the Frame

 Assembling the frame is where this 17th‑century joined chest truly begins to take shape. Each mortise‑and‑tenon joint is fitted by hand, then locked together with traditional drawbored pegs in the same methods used by New England joiners in the 1600s/1700's. These photos capture the moment the rails and stiles come together into a strong, square structure, forming the foundation for the carved panels and the finished chest that follows.