Vintage Heavy Leather Horseshoe Shaped Box Thick Walled and Nail Construction
Description: A heavy and thick walled leather box shaped in a half circle or horseshoe. The box is held together with round top nails and has a metal (copper?) hinge that is attached to the flat back of the box with nuts and small bolts. Very interesting construction technique. The top and bottom of the box is decorated with impressions of repeating acorns, stars, crescents, and flowers. The exterior surface has been treated, smoothed and nicely finished. The interior of the box is untreated and unfinished and shows marks of the hammering that took place to make the exterior decorative impressions. Just a very unusual, possibly one-of-kind handmade? box. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain but most likely mid 1900's, could be earlier.
Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in Southern New Jersey.
Size: The box measures ~5 1/8" by ~4 1/4" abd is ~3 1/8" high. The piece weigh over 14 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a nicely done unusual leather box. It definitely deserves a prominent spot in your collection.
Condition: The piece is in good original condition with no breaks or repairs. It does have scratches to the surface, some losses to the leather surface's finish, and some oxidation signs to the nails, the hinge, and the nuts and bolts used to keep it in place. The two halves of the box are not properly aligned and do not sit correctly on each other but they are rather a bit off in alignment, as can be seen in the photos. The surfaces are soiled and have minor stains and marks. Be that as it may, the piece is still great looking and is in good original condition. Please see photos for additional condition information.
