Antique Pewter Box Tombstone Shaped with Hinged Lid Marked I*BANKS
Description: A beautiful antique, hand crafted pewter box in the shape of a tombstone. The box has a hinged lid and a loop attached to its flat end. It is unclear to us what the box was used for. The loop suggest that it would be a hanging box with its rounded end facing the floor. It is also possible that the loop was used to hang the box on someone's belt, you be the judge. Be that as it may , the box is marked on the inside with raised letters "I*BANKS" with the "S" facing back. This appears to be a maker's mark. It is also engraved on the AE 1826 on the back. The box has acquired a nice and warm gray patina with age and really looks great. This is a rather unusual box of uncommon shape that is very well mad. A true antique of the highest quality worthy of a spot in your collection of antique boxes. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Most likely before 1826 could be as early as the late 1700's.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~4 3/4” by ~3 3/8" and is ~7/8" thick when closed. The box weighs about 9 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Marked on the inside in raised lettering I*BANKS and is engraved on the back of the exterior AE 1826.
Condition: Box is in very good condition given its age and utilitarian function. It has no cracks, breaks, or repairs. The hinge is in excellent condition and works very well. It closes tightly and The box has scratches, bumps to the surface (including a larger one at the start of the curve along the side opposite side of the hinge), a few dings along the edges, some pitting especially in the back of the lid and uneven surfaces throughout. It has stains and discoloration in a few spots. It could probably use a good cleaning, but we leave that to the new owner's discretion. Please see the photos for additional condition information.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is definitely a nice quality antique box, which deserves a spot in your pewter or antique box collection. Condition: Box is in very good condition given its age and utilitarian function. It has no cracks, breaks, or repairs. The hinge is in excellent condition and works very well. It closes tightly and The box has scratches, bumps to the surface (including a larger one at the start of the curve along the side opposite side of the hinge), a few dings along the edges, some pitting especially in the back of the lid and uneven surfaces throughout. It has stains and discoloration in a few spots. It could probably use a good cleaning, but we leave that to the new owner's discretion. Please see the photos for additional condition information.
