Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is a sugar chest?
1 Answer
A sugar chest is a chest, typically made of wood and featuring legs, that was designed to hold sugar in the late 1700s to early 1800s, when sugar was very valuable. Sugar chests would feature a lock to keep this sweet sign of wealth secure, and featured sections inside to separate light and dark sugars. Shop a range of antique sugar chests on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Sugar Chest on 1stDibs
American Federal Mahogany and Spanish Cedra Sugar Chest on Stand, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany and Spanish cedra one drawer hinged sugar chest on stand with carved molded edge, exposed dovetails, wooden knobs, silver escutcheon, original keys, and res...
Category
Antique 1820s American Federal Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Silver, Iron
American Walnut Hinged Sugar Chest on Stand with Exposed Dovetails TN / KY 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American walnut hinged sugar chest with exposed exterior dovetails and resting on the original incised molded edge stand with pointed cone feet.
Category
Antique 1810s American American Colonial Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Poplar, Walnut
American Federal Southern Walnut Hinged Two Drawer Inlaid Sugar Chest, VA C 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal Southern walnut hinged top sugar chest with oval string inlays, two flanking drawers with brass pulls, central diamond escutcheons, and resting on the original turne...
Category
Antique 1820s American Federal Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Antique German Biedermeier Footed Silver Sugar Chest or Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique German sugar box is composed of .875 silver and dates to circa 1850 in the Biedermeier style. The box sits on ornately crafted feet and features clam shell relief decora...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Tea Sets
Materials
Silver
19th Century Tennessee American Classical Jackson Press
Located in Forney, TX
The most distinguishable Tennessee forms include the sugar chest and the Jackson press. The sugar chest was developed to safeguard large quantities of sugar, a commodity of great val...
Category
Antique 19th Century American American Classical Commodes and Chests of ...
Materials
Cherry, Poplar, Pine
Walnut Storage Cupboard
Located in East Aurora, NY
The person I purchased it from was from Tennessee and told me her family had always used it as a sugar chest. I believe its intended purpose was likely a small or child’s blanket che...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century American American Classical Cupboards
Materials
Walnut
