The characterstics that Pennsylvania German dower chests have never been mass reproduced in modern times and probably would never be, distinguishes them from other more grandeur types of furniture such as Duncan Phyfe chairs or Lannuier side tables, both of which can find their not-so-cheap and no-so-well-done modern reproduction. Thus, antiques collectors can say Nietzsche was wrong when he insisted that in a world of objective meaninglessness one must fall into nihilism unless one acts as if one's acts recur eternally. Those Pennsylvania prize would never recur again in the next life, so treasure it when you can. [Read more...]