Figured maple can be difficult to work with because not only is the wood hard, but also the grain is twisted. John Doan's decision to use figured maple for this chest, as he did for his desk CMH 2007.22.235.1-2, indicates the importance that he attached to these pieces. Many of the features in this piece are identical to those in the Doan desk, including the bracket feet, quarter columns, lower base and lapped drawer mouldings — all of which reflect his Pennsylvania roots. Unfortunately, only a handful of John Doan's pieces have been found.