All true, but offset strap hinges were still attached inside. They--and locks-- were common on seachests because seamen's chests were often stacked for storage, and pilferage was to be kept to a minimum
I once had the opportunity to restore two badly misused seachests owned by a Norwegian family. They had belonged to a seafairing ancestor. Both were angled all 4 sides, dovetailed, screwed on interior offset strap hinges (nice forge work and handmade screws), with quality brass locks original to the chests. Wonderful paintings under the lids, and with tills both ends. Had to replace till lids and a tray, missing moldings attached with forged nails (I used cut nails), and replaced the missing beckets and cleats. They were both milk painted and oiled originally. The under lid paintings, while in the folk art category, were done in artist's oils, perhaps by the sailor or a shipmate. One was of a brigantine under full sail, the other a woman's portrait. I kept thinking of the sailor's toast: "Wives and sweethearts, gentlemen--may they never meet."
Fun project.
