Victorian Shell House Box, "The American Cow Puzzle Dairy", 1876

Antiques : Accessories : Shell

 

Every once in a while, you find something that grabs your interest and you cannot walk away. I have bought and sold lots of Victorian shell art, but this is the first time I have seen something like this. The box is shaped like a house. The sides of the house are lithographed in red brick. There is a horse and wagon at one door. Over the door it reads, "The American Cow Puzzle Dairy". Going around the box, the next side looks like a dairy counter. It reads, "Enter at Stat. Hall". The next has a man and a woman at the door. The awning and window boxes add extra charm. Saving the best for last, the fourth side has a hill with cows grazing. It reads, "The four cows form a face". Rotating the box you can make out the face. The base of the box is out-lined with tiny shells. One corner is missing a shell. The roof is covered with shells. The chimney and dormer again add detail and charm. Inside the box is written, "From Ma to Addie 1876". Later someone wrote "Gury Mother". This is an exceptional addition to a shell art collection. It measures 4 1/4" x 3" x 4 1/2".

Item ID: 1045