1856 antique folk art wooden wedding box in superb original “untouched” dry and grungy oxblood red and black paint. Fresh to the market – a well preserved mid 19th century folk art box. Sadly, we are at a point where we need to part with some of her antiques. Boxes such as this were typically made for a couple as a wedding present. It is rare to find such an old box in this condition, especially signed and dated. A truly beautiful and highly sought after example of a 19th century heirloom. After over a century and a half it stills retains its original hand forged hardware and untouched dry painted surface with an exceptional patina. The date and four initials are painted on the front of the box in creamy yellow. I think the initials are L. There is writing in lead on the inside of the lid which is difficult to make out. However, it looks like an inscription to the original recipients and a signature, likely of the maker. It appears to be original to the box. This adds beautifully to the history of this fabulous old piece. Perhaps someone with better eyes than mine can decipher it. The finish is dry, the corners are dovetailed, hand scraping in several areas is evident, the nails, hinges, latch for hooking/locking and handle are primitive and hand forged. A few nails do appear to have been added sometime around the turn of the century. The rose head nails that secure the hinges are some of the largest and nicest you will find, nearly the size of a dime. Approximately 12 1/2 inches long by 7 1/8 inches deep by 7 1/2 inches high. It appears to be constructed of native poplar and pine and is heavy for its size weighing 4 pounds, 11 ounces. There are three small spots of brighter red paint that splattered onto the box at some point in its long history. Typical wear, as well as light paint and surface losses associated with the age of the box are present and are expected of an antique that is 161 years old. It looks like the bottom was originally one piece of wood that cracked down the center with age. A very solid and sturdy box in what we consider to be very good overall condition for its age. This is a museum quality small antique chest. I try to describe all of our items as accurately as possible. Please look at the pictures and message us with any questions or let me know if you would like more photos. If you see something that we missed please let me know and I will update the listing. From a smoke and pet free environment. This exceptional antique box will be packaged well and boxed with care to insure it arrives safely to your home. Thank you for checking out our listing! The item “Rare 1856 Primitive Wedding Box in Original Grungy Red Paint Folk Art” is in sale since Saturday, March 04, 2017. This item is in the category “Antiques\Decorative Arts\Woodenware\Boxes”. The seller is “spiritmountainprimitives” and is located in La Veta, Colorado. This item can be shipped to United States, to Canada.

• Type: Boxes
• Primary Material: Wood
• Original/Reproduction: Original
• Age: 1850-1899
• Color: Red
• Style: Colonial
• Country/Region of Origin: United States