We bought this box today and I would like to know more about it. What could it have been used for and how old is it? The ad on CL didn't have very good pictures and from what I saw I thought it was early 1800s. But now that my husband brought it home I just don't know how old it is. I'm thinking maybe late-1800s? I hope it's at least that old. The paint appears quite modern. It's almost metallic-like. Metallic blue. It's worn, smooth, aged and dirty.The wood is well-worn.
It's construction is entirely made up of nails with round heads. Round head nails didn't come into use until the very late 1800s. What confuses me is that some of the screws have slots that are a little bit off center. I unscrewed one and it is machine-made and tapers. Which doesn't necessarily mean the box is brand new. Here's a little info about screws.
http://journalofantiques.com/2002/columns/business-of-doing-business/system-for-dating-country-and-primitive-furniture-part-one/The rope, for some reason, is nailed onto the sides of the box. Not sure if it was for hanging or holding or what. The inside looks like maybe it had some sort of divider at some point.
This one is confusing me and I just don't know how to tell if it's brand new or if it is 100 years old. Pretty disappointed that it's not as old as I thought it was but at least we didn't pay very much money for it! I'm casting my vote for 1890s. Anyone else?
