Sea Chest?

by Tim Verrall
(Mottram, Cheshire, UK)

The attached pictures show a chest that has always been part of our family furniture, and has always been called the "Sea Chest". I'll let the pictures speak for themselves, but would like to know how old it is and what it was made for?
The feet don't look original, but are as they were when my parents acquired it.
What can't be seen from the pictures is the fact that it has split almost all the way round, following the split that can be seen on the top. To prevent it deteriorating further I've simply screwed two beechwood strips to the underside of the top and underneath. I've not attempted to hide these, though they can't be seen when the chest is in normal use. I'm unsure how to do any better. Similarly, the damage to the top and the fact that, prior to our owning it, someone varnished the front, including the handles; would I be advised to try and restore it or leave it as it is?
Further pictures giving more detail can be sent on request.