Antique German Trunk / Chest (1757?)

We have almost zero information about this piece.  It was shipped over from Germany when my wifes aunt passed away.  It has been in their family for "many generations" but we have no idea about its origin or manufacturer.  

There a very old, working skeleton key lock on the front of the chest.  The number 1757 or 1797 are painted artisinally below the lock.  If you look very closely, the pigment used to paint the decorations on the chest seems to be a bit grainy or chunky depending on what color you are looking at. The stripes along the trim alternate between straight lines and wavy lines, appearing to have been made with a fork(?).  

The chest opens up to a large openeing with a liight, natural wood appearance that hasn't been faded by sunlight.  The outside is much darker with the paint/pigment and stain making the pieces look older. 

There seems to be some damage on the turned feet and they seem to have either some bug that has eaten into them or just wear from being moved as a few have started to split.  

Any thoughts as to origin, wood type, actual year it was made, etc. is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Poor