I am just learning about old bee boxes—a pretty cool thing to collect I think, as each one represents its makers specific design solution to the task(s) at hand. From what I understand, beekeepers would make a bee box such as this one to catch bees, then release them from various points to chart their flights. Bees fly in a straight line when returning to their hives—a bee line—thus leading the beekeeper to the bounty.
Bee boxes vary from very simple to somewhat more elaborate, this one more the latter, with three different compartments and two methods of trap and release. (I believe this one was likely used both for "bee-lining" and for transporting the queen. Inside one is a piece of real honeycomb, which would be used to entice a bee to enter, then the glass plate would be slid across to trap it, with the glass allowing the beekeeper to see it inside. There is a mesh screen-lined hole connecting that compartment to a smaller compartment on the other side, this one with a latched door that opens to allows capture and release, and with a plate of glass on the adjacent side allowing a view inside. So cool.
Late 19th/early 20th century I believe. 7 5/8” x 3 1/8” x 2 5/8” and in very good overall condition. One of two key-hole type wood panels framing the mesh lined hole sits a little loose on its nails, but can be repositioned if it falls off. The glass panel slides smoothly and shows no chips or cracks, the honeycomb is in great shape, and all doors open easily and close flush.
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