Oval box

1800-1875

Measurements

1-1/2 in x 4 in x 3 in

Materials

White pine (lid and bottom), maple (sides)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.4116

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This small, lidded box was used to hold different kinds of small items.  These boxes are often associated with Shakers, but others made them as well.  The materials used suggest fabrication in New England.

The thin maple sides are bent around a thicker piece of pine, which served as the bottom or as the lid.  The maple is cut to overlap in a "finger," that holds the bent side to itself by an iron nail driven through the wood and clinched on the inside.  Small pegs hold the top and bottom in place.  A brownish stain covers the outside of the box.