Leather box

1810-1840

Measurements

6-1/4 in x 15-1/8 in x 8-1/8 in

Materials

White pine and possibly white cedar (bottom), leather, brass handle, iron lock, paper liner

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3827

Condition Notes

The cast brass bail handle, the round cast back-plates, and possibly the posts appear to be replacements.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

The straight-sided, rectangular box (or small trunk) has a domed lid that used the leather covering panel in the back in place of hinges.  Strips of tan leather are brass-tacked along the edges of the box and lid to reinforce the black leather.  A cast brass furniture bail serves as a carrying handle at the top center.  An oval band of tan leather surrounds it.

Because the tan leather is in better condition than the leather covering, and because the furniture bail carrying handle looks inappropriate, it is possible that they represent restorations or enhancements of the early 20th century.