Antique Painted Pine Chest, Early 20th Century

An antique pine storage chest from the Early 20th Century.

Featuring two carrying handles and original painted finish with the words "20th Century Equitable Friendly Society. Register No 1047 London, Lodge No 116" hand painted to the front.

Before modern insurance and the welfare state, friendly societies were created in order to provide financial and social services to their members.  Each month, members would meet to socialise and pay their membership fee.  The funds raised would then be used to pay a small sum to those who were unable to work through sickness; to pay a pension to members who were no longer able to earn a living, and to pay a relative towards the cost of a member’s funeral.

The membership fees would have been kept securely within a chest such as this.

A charming piece with an interesting history.