Sensational 1940s Tramp Art Box

Antiques : Primitives : Tramp Art Box

 

Sometimes you have to play detective in the antique business to be able to date items, especially those that are worth the research, like this tramp art box. It's constructed of match sticks, scrap wood, and probably cheese boxes. The latch is probably from a cigar box. We noticed that under the top lining of silk there is the faint image of the word Tide, and the slogan "the wash day miracle". Tide was invented in 1943 and came to market on a large scale in 1946. This is their old slogan, so we're very comfortable with a 1940s dating. The box was made very carefully, with a removable tray and a silk lined interior. It is in superb shape, with the only thing to note is a spot on the tray underside, which is never seen, where the layered wood has a piece missing. It may have always been like that since it is generally hidden from view. What a great primitive for any collection! Measures 11 1/2" long by 5 1/5" wide and 5 3/4" tall - this is a large box!

Item ID: GA45