A INTERESTING OFF TOPIC INDEED AARGH! I LIKE PIRATES AS WELL.
THE MENTION OF THE CHEST BEING COVERED WITH BLACK TAR COULD POINT TO A LIKELY USE ON SHIPS AS IT WOULD SERVE WELL TO PROTECT FROM SALT WATER AND TAR WAS READILY AVAILABLE FOR SEVERAL USES ON SAILING SHIPS. THOUGH THE CHESTS COULD BE BROKEN INTO I THINK THEIR MAIN PURPOSE WAS TO KEEP OUT SNEAK THEIVES WHO COULD TAKE A LITTLE OR SEE OR STEAL SECRET DOCUMENTS ECT. WITHOUT DETECTION IF THERE WAS EASY ACCESS. LOCKED CHESTS AND ROOMS WERE ALSO A DETRERRENT TO SAILORS GETTING INTO THE ARMS OR GROG.
