Finely Crafted
Sliding-Lid Box 

Northeast, ca. 18th to early 19th century.  Mixed softwoods, including pine, in original Spanish brown paint.

A particularly well-made sliding-lid box, likely intended for candles, exhibiting the work of a practiced joiner. The lid features crisp rectilinear molding, an elaborately carved finger hold, and chip carving. It slides cleanly within its original dado. The case is neatly dovetailed, and the slightly proud base is secured with wooden pegs, without the use of nails.

The Spanish brown surface, an essential colonial color derived from local iron-oxide earth pigments mixed with linseed oil and turpentine, remains honest, and untouched.

Excellent structural condition with expected surface wear. Approximately 9 inches long x 4 3/4 inches wide x 2 inches high. From a long-time private Massachusetts collection.