Images(5)

Painted box

Date1835-1855

OriginAmerica, Vermont, Braintree (probably)

MediumBasswood and paint

DimensionsOH: 5 3/8"; OW: 10 1/4"; OD: 6 5/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1990.708.3

DescriptionRectangular box with hinged lid and lock; box sides, front, and back dovetailed together; bottom nailed inside box from sides, front, and back; top nailed to top of sides, front, and back; surface faux grained in brown with black around all edges; surfaces stenciled with metalic paint in foliate decoration and initials "S.G.C." on top center of box.
Label TextSmall boxes such as this, which were often used for storing jewelry or sewing implements, were among the most common decorative objects made in New England during the first half of the nineteenth century. The stenciled initials on the lid are presumably those of the box's original owner who may have been Samuel George Craig (1829-1863) of Braintree, Vermont whose sister was Mary Juliet Craig (1833-1871).
MarkingsInitials "S.G.C." stenciled on top. "M. J.[or I] Craig/ Braintree/ Vt" inscribed in pencil on underside of lid.