I've got a weakness for old painter's boxes, especially ones that have been much used: carriers of creativity, literally and relative to aura! This one was produced by Frost & Adams, Boston, fourth quarter 19th c; established in 1869, Frost & Adam was an artists' supply firm located on the current site of Boston City Hall and City Hall Plaza! It appears to me this box had a second--or third or fourth or tenth !--life in the mid 20th century, with new paper/card cut to line the compartments, and a Ballantine beer bottle opener finding its way in too! There are also paint brushes, and a medicine bottle dated 1969, Central Vermont, once containing liquid or pills to be taken "for pain." A box found like this feels to me as much a portrait as a utilitarian thing, though it certainly with the potential for another chapter!
13 1/4" x 9 1/2" x 2 3/4". Much used and worn. Tin exterior once painted black now shows mostly silver. Interior shows plenty of grime. But it closes and opens up as it should, with the interior "doors" that close over paint compartments latching tight, and the lift out tray still in place.
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