Bittersweet
Opposing Finger Box
"LEVI BEAL"

Hingham, Massachusetts, ca. 2nd quarter, 19th century.

Pine top and bottom; maple side wall. Joinery by iron tacks and tiny wooden pegs. Lightly impressed on the lid LEVI BEAL (1786-1852). I have had a number of signed boxes by Levi Beal, so even though the intaglio-stamped signature is faint, I know what to look for (in the images I have shown a side by side of this box’s signature and another deeply stamped).

Overall dry original bittersweet paint. Very early in its use there was a wooden pieced repair on the left side of the lid (doesn’t go through), the top then lightly touched up way back then with a slightly redder paint.

About 6 3/8 inches long x 4 5/8 deep x 2 5/8 tall. See "BUCKET TOWN" by Derin Bray, for reference. These Hingham painted oval boxes are sought after as stand alones, or for stacking. I have sold dozens over the years. They make a very colorful statement.