The basic pine box was made for a US Navy pilot on Okinawa, in 1945. It was simply nailed together by the sailor who built it. 60 years of rough use scarred the surfaces, caused the lid to warp, and various bits of hardware to rust and fall-off. The restoration included repairs, transforming the interior with veneer and a tray, making a hard maple stand and matching frame for the lid, and inlaying brass corners, lock, and handles for a "campaign" look. Finally, the new maple parts were distressed and finished to closely match the old.