Mid 19th C. Painted Poplar Doughnut Box w/Lid

Antiques : Boxes : Poplar Painted Doughnut Box

 

In keeping with our dedication to finding the unusual wooden antiques, we are offering you this wonderful painted poplar doughnut box. It is large, measuring 10 inches across the lid in both directions and stands 5 1/4 inches from the base to the upper surface of the lid. Add an additional 1 3/4 inches for the attached handle. We have never had a good explanation for what these doughnut boxes were intended to be used for, but we also know that they hardly ever turn up in the antique community because of their scarcity. The most common explanation for them is that they were often made by the Amish, or Mennonites, to store and protect baked goods such as doughnuts, fassnacht, or cookies. This would be consistent with the fact that we obtained in from the Amish region in north-central Ohio.

Ths box is in good, solid condition showing wear that is consistent with its use and age. There are cracks running vertically on the opposite sides where seams have opened up. These cracks have not impacted on the integrity of the box at all, and it is as sound as the day it was made. The lid attaches to the box by screwing it down tight and it functions as it was intended, to seal the box. The handle is a separate piece of wood that has been attached with 4 square nails that are clearly visible from the underside of the lid. The inside in unfinished, as is the underside of the base. The base and upper part of the box are cut in shoe molding profiles, that add a pleasant balance to the piece. There is a crack or chip about 1 ½ inches long in the base molding, but it is firmly attached and in no danger of separating from the box. The box was refinished at one time and had a reddish stain applied. This refinishing appears to have taken place quite a while ago. This is clearly a one of a kind item, and will be a wonderful addition to anybody’s antique box collection or make an great decorative statement in your country style home.

You can buy with confidence from Sweetpea Cottage. We stand behind everything that we sell. If you wish to return your purchase for any reason, simply notify us by email of your intentions within 3 days of receiving the item. We then ask that you return it to us in its original condition in a timely fashion. At that time we will refund the full purchase price minus any shipping charges. Shipping for this wonderful box is $15.00 which includes insurance for the full value of the item.

Item ID: AntPDB-318