Stephen Eckel

Pennsylvania Spice Box (early 1800s). Based on a Steve Latta design in FWW.

Wood is Peruvian Quilted Mahogany with poplar as secondary wood. This box’s story started with the purchase of a beautiful board I spotted at a Fred Grosse-managed wood sale in 2024. While I did not have a specific project in mind, the board was too good to pass up. Shortly thereafter, I became enamored of spice boxes and saw the quilted mahogany board as a perfect match. I really appreciated Latta’s design and order-of-work instruction in the article.

The box has the expected hidden compartments and multiple drawers. I changed Latta’s door design to a raised panel that brings focus to the beautiful grain. The drawer dividers slide in from the back, are bullnosed, and are connected with brass screws (no glue). I choose projects that require learning one or more new techniques. This Spice Box has been a popular addition to my home.

Hardware is Horton Brasses. The finish is multiple coats of brushed and padded clear shellac. Dimensions: 16.25” W x 21.25” T x 12” D.