Not a coffee table then!
 

So I told my wife that I'd bought her a new coffee table ( may have over promised and under delivered on that one! ) - It was described as an ammunition box (clearly to the 2nd Btn 3rd Gurkha Rifles) - but I think it's too well made to be that - it has two brass mortice locks , steel straps , and lead lined with carrying handles and small iron castors on the bottom. It also has a hinged compartment inside. - I was thinking Regimental pay chest? Or some sort of Regimental documents chest ? Would welcome any opinions - Cheers Tim

Hello Tim

I'm very surprised that your wife didn't like the coffee table, it will look just fine with a nice piece of glass laid across the top. What more could she ask for?

As you said too big and well made for an ammunition box but it might be an armourer's tool box. I have seen a few and they were just as well made and secure to stop certain low life from pinching anything!

Roger

Has any text been removed from the other panel on the top lid?
Could it be an officer's campaign chest?

Hi Tim,

That is really a superb 'coffee table' indeed, well done.

Here is my 'decorators' piece that lives in the living room. Not large enough for a coffee table of course but a great place for storing bits and bobs! Even the wife things it's kind of interesting looking..:)

Cheerio and keep up the good work,

Roy

2/3rd QOA Gurkha Rifles - JOYNES
 

So I finally discerned ( I think ) the officers name painted over on the box - I believe it's G.P.A JOYNES or possibly C.P.A ? Does anyone know if there was an officer to that name in the 2/3rd Gurkha Rifles - I have contacted the Gurkha Museum but I know that some members have access to the lists. Any help would be much appreciated - Tim

Once you've sanded it down and waxed it to bring out the
grain it'll look great, she can even keep her woman's own and chat magazines collection inside.

Now that is a magnificent regimental chest, thanks for sharing it Tim. This is a regimental coffee table:D:D.
Phil.

I have coffee table envy !

Hello,

Charles Peter Anthony JOYNES.
B. 25.3.1921
In ranks 121 days
Unattached 2nd Lt. 31.12.1939
Indian army 6.6.1940
War Substantive Lt. 4.2.1941
Lt. 30.6.1941 (A/Captain 4.11.1940 - 3.2.1941)
Temp. Captain 4.2.1941 - 6.2.1941 & 30.6.1941

From services of British Army officers &cc 1939-45

regards

Much appreciated Simon - puts paid to my thoughts that he was KIA hence his name was painted out and his effects sold on! Tim

If I had the space, this would be my new coffee table:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Military-...53.m1438.l2649

P.B.

Peter ... go on, you know you want to ...
Mike

Mike, you know me so well.

Peter

A very handy storage unit too - ;)
Mine is a far less attractive Mortar / PIAT ammunition box - I wouldn't be without it though

This would be mine but it is buyer collect only. Far to far to collect.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WW2-Milit...vip=true&rt=nc