Document Box, Hair
Date1820-1850
OriginEngland
MediumDeal (probably spruce), hide, leather, paper, brass and iron
DimensionsOH: 8"; OW: 14"; OD: 9 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1973-76
DescriptionDomed lid hair document box or small trunk covered in hide (hair) with leather and brass nail trim. Brass butt hinges (possibly added) inside lid and case. Brass nails on leather strips outline top edges of box, edges of lid and case, and front. Brass bail handle with round rosettes in center of top, iron lock and hasp on front. Interior lined with a printed devotional tract stamped with black all-over diaper-pattern floral design. Two leather straps (replaced) screwed to inside of lid and case at each end. Narrow, thin boards nailed to underside of bottom along front and back edges.Lined with uncut book pages that appear to be from Rev. William Jay's (1769-1853) PRAYERS FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES: OR THE DOMESTIC MINISTER'S ASSISTANT, first published in London around 1820 and in various editions in various American cities from the 1820 onward. Exact edition has not been identified.
1790-1820
1807-1815
ca. 1770
1800-1825
ca.1843
Ca. 1800
1784-1800
1784 (dated)