Watch box

20th century

Measurements

10-7/8 in x 6-1/2 in x 3-3/8 in

Materials

Cherry

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3809

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This attractive watch box--a small cabinet in which to store a watch, visible through a glazed door--looks similar to other 18th century examples, but several features of this one indicate that it was not made in that period.  The cherry stock from which it is made is ¾-inch thick, which seems very heavy for an object of this small size. The bottom board is glued up from smaller pieces.   The backboard is a replacement attached with small wire nails or sprigs, and the stain on it seems unrelated to the rest of the box.  The brass hinges are cut down from a larger size to fit the door.  Last, the pediment, although of an engaging design to modern eyes, does not relate to period counterparts.  

The door opens with a "stirrup" handle, a period form of brass pull.