Antique Folk Art Hand Decorated Bentwood Band Box Colonial Man Hat Coat & Stick
Description: Antique folk art, American, oval bentwood or band box. This Shaker type box has been hand decorated with a nice drawing on top of the lid showing a colonial gentleman in tricorn hat, red tail coat, high boots and nickers with a walking stick. The box is made of Pennsylvania hickory and has what is known as spear tip overlap with iron nail fasteners. Both the base and top are softwood fastened to the side with wood pegs. The bottom of the box has a name A. Hamlet? in pencil, which we assume is the name of a recent owner rather than a signature of a maker or artist. The painting on the top of the lid has partially faded colors and blends into the color of the background wood. The interior of the box is relatively clean with a few stains, rust marks around the ends of the fasteners, and light soiling. Be that as it may, the interior is in excellent shape. The box has a lift-off lid and is in good condition given it has been around for about 200 years. A nice antique Pennsylvania folk art piece to add to your collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Unknown but most likely early to mid 1800s.
Origin: USA, probably Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: The box is 6 1/4" by ~4 3/4" by ~2 5/8" in height with the lid on. The box weighs about 4.6 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Marked inn pencil on the bottom "A. Hamlet?" we are not certain what the last name is. We believe this is a signature added in modern times by a recent owner as opposed to being the name of the maker or the artist.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A nice antique piece of Americana in excellent condition, which would make a great addition to your collection.
Condition: The box is in very good condition. The box is all together with no breaks, no losses, and no repairs. The sides at the base has two small cracks to the wood which can be seen in the second photo. The lid has a minor break to the edge which, again, can be seen in the second photo. The exterior of the box has a few scratches and some minor dings. The box is soiled and has a few minor stains. The painting on the top of the lid has partially faded colors and blends into the color of the background wood. The interior of the box is relatively clean with a few stains, rust marks around the ends of the fasteners, and light soiling. This is a great antique folk art decorated box which would be a great addition to your collection of Americana. Please see photos for additional condition information.
