Images(3)

Document Box

Date1790-1820

OriginAmerica, New England (probably)

MediumWhite pine, leather, brass, and paper

DimensionsOH: 5 1/4"; OW: 12"; OD: 6 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1940-324

DescriptionSmall box with flat bottom, straight sides, hinged domed lid with brass bail handle in center of top and oval brass escutcheon in center of front, covered in black leather with leather apron around front and sides under lid; brass nails outline edges of top and side edges of front, back, and lid; large oval of brass nails surrounds handle on lid and incomplete oval of brass nails surrounds escutcheon on front of box; interior lined with blue paper; black leather strap nailed to proper right end inside case and lid sides.
Label TextWhile English and American leather document boxes are quite similar in appearance, the wood used in the fabrication of the box can sometimes help pinpoint on which side of the Atlantic the box was made. The (American) white pine of this box along with the early 20th century acquisition from a New Hampshire antiques dealer suggests New England as the origin for this particular box.