Painted Trick Lock Candle Box w/ Sliding Lid

Antiques : Boxes : Trick Candle Box

 

Sweetpea Cottage is offering this unusual version of the traditional early American candle box with a sliding lid. What makes it so unique is that the lid locks on with a primitive version of a combination lock. The dimensions are about 10 1/4 inches, by 5 1/4 inches, by 5 1/4 inches. Constructed primarily of pine, with a fir insert covering the locking mechanism, the outside has been stained dark to resemble mahogany or walnut. On top of the stain there are floral designs painted on all four sides and the lid. The floral designs are set off from the field of the wood with gold painted stripes meant to represent a raised panel pattern. The bottom sits proud from the sides of the box with a chamfered lip. There is some damage. On one side there is a thin split in the wood that extends 3/4 of the way along the side. However, the split only penetrates the inside for about half the length. Above it there is a second thin split coming from the other direction that runs about 1/3 of the length of the side. This split does not penetrate inside at all. Neither split has weakened any aspect of the integrity of the box. The box is still sound and solid. There is also a small split on the underside of the base running about 1/3 the length of the box. On the lid there is a depression that appears to be a burn, probably from a cigarette. The burn is noticeable but does not detract from the look of the piece.

What makes this box so special is the locking mechanism. On the one end there is a series of 3 cubes that look like dice. They have dots on the sides made with tiny brads. These dots resemble the numbers on dice. When the three dice are turned so that a certain numerical combination is up, then the box lid can be slid off. Otherwise, they prevent the lid from being removed. When locked on, the lid shifts a little bit from side to side as is common with old boxes of this type. But the lid still fits well into the grooves that it runs on. This is an unusual box with some condition issues, as have been stated. However, given the unique nature of the piece those issues are easily overlooked for the more charming qualities of the piece. For the collector of boxes, this item is one of a kind.

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 item is $10.00 which includes insurance for the full price of the piece.

Item ID: AntPTCB-180