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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: michael_1265 on July 15, 2013, 09:25:49 PM

Title: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: michael_1265 on July 15, 2013, 09:25:49 PM: Hello,
I am new here (hello, everyone), and I am stumped by something that I found at a thrift store today. I do a bit of buying and selling, and I usually trust my instincts, which means I win some and I lose some. This item seemed nice for the princely sum of $8.

I can usually figure out antiques using the internet and my Warman's book, but I had no luck at all with this.

Construction details: Light weight wood, definitely pine or a softwood. Stained and varnished. Handle is solid mounted (not pivoting) and is attached with three large, irregular-headed nails. The grip is notched into the side pieces and held in place by hand hammered iron straps. It looks to be nailed construction, with putty used over the nail heads. The side pieces that hold the grip are fluted, or grooved. The joinery is decent; the ends are notched into the sides. The inside is plain. It is about 13" ling by 7" wide by 8" tall.

Any information at all about what this is would be very helpful.

Thanks,
Mike

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/9295540219_ca865c7b94.jpg)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/9295540197_9c30194424.jpg)
[imghttp://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/9298320450_6824d8c803.jpg]http://[/img]
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9298320426_060e031c25.jpg)
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: bigwull on July 16, 2013, 02:12:33 AM: looks like a sewing box
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: michael_1265 on July 16, 2013, 04:22:32 AM: Quote from: bigwull on July 16, 2013, 02:12:33 AM
looks like a sewing box

I hadn't thought of that. I Googled "antique sewing box", though, and there is nothing close to this box. The long, fixed handle sets it apart.
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: Packman on July 16, 2013, 05:39:13 AM: It looks like a Chinese wedding box, but missing some pieces.
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: michael_1265 on July 16, 2013, 06:08:11 AM: Quote from: Packman on July 16, 2013, 05:39:13 AM
It looks like a Chinese wedding box, but missing some pieces.

I think you are correct about it being Chinese:
http://axsoris.com/antique-shanxi-covered-wood-basket/img.auctiva.com*imgdata*7*0*6*2*2*7*webimg*265877979_o.jpg/
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: mart on July 16, 2013, 09:08:08 AM: Other than the vague shape it does not look Chinese to me !! Looks more European !! They would normally have a bit more decoration for a wedding box !! This is just plain,, !!
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: michael_1265 on July 16, 2013, 10:04:43 AM: Quote from: mart on July 16, 2013, 09:08:08 AM
Other than the vague shape it does not look Chinese to me !! Looks more European !! They would normally have a bit more decoration for a wedding box !! This is just plain,, !!

Well, the jury is still out. I am really interested in how old it is and where it came from.
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: KC on July 16, 2013, 02:26:50 PM: My first impulse was sewing box...bu the more I looked at it, it resembles boxes used to contain tea items in Korea.
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: talesofthesevenseas on July 16, 2013, 04:00:07 PM: It is a Chinese "lunch box" for carrying food. I have one of these. I'll get a photo of it.
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: talesofthesevenseas on July 16, 2013, 04:01:42 PM: Here is another example.

http://www.aptoscruz.com/gallery?cat=106 (http://www.aptoscruz.com/gallery?cat=106)
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: bigwull on July 16, 2013, 05:57:55 PM: well done you....another one nailed
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: talesofthesevenseas on July 16, 2013, 06:04:05 PM: Nah, this was easy because I have one!
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: bigwull on July 16, 2013, 06:34:21 PM: Quote from: talesofthesevenseas on July 16, 2013, 06:04:05 PM
Nah, this was easy because I have one!
but thats what its all about......had they not come on here..they,d still be scratching their heids....wondering what it was.....
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: KC on July 17, 2013, 01:15:58 AM: Yepper...done good!
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: michael_1265 on July 17, 2013, 07:18:22 AM: Quote from: talesofthesevenseas on July 16, 2013, 04:01:42 PM
Here is another example.

http://www.aptoscruz.com/gallery?cat=106 (http://www.aptoscruz.com/gallery?cat=106)

Yes! Nailed it. Thanks so much for your help.
Mike
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: talesofthesevenseas on July 17, 2013, 11:34:29 AM: Here's my Chinese lunch box. I like this one because it is really rustic, with metal pieces tacked on to make repairs over the years.

(http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x124/talesofthesevenseas/SanLorenzoValley-20130717-00025_zpse85a2ac6.jpg)
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: mart on July 17, 2013, 11:42:31 AM: At least yours looks like this one !! Same overall look !! I would not have guessed Chinese at all from the design !!
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: talesofthesevenseas on July 17, 2013, 11:50:01 AM: I bought this out of a guy's van who was selling a variety of pieces from what I think was a failed Chinese antiques business. I bought this box for $15 and a nice alter for $30
Title: Re: Unusual Wooden Box
Post by: Ipcress on July 18, 2013, 01:53:26 PM: You can also get them that stack higher. Great for picnics