Bandbox, 1810-1830

Summary

In the early 1800s, Americans used bandboxes to store clothing, accessories, and other small items. Bandboxes were handy containers in the home or when traveling by stage, boat, or rail. Manufacturers covered these inexpensive pasteboard or wooden boxes with colorful papers. Some bandboxes were covered with papers depicting animals, places or specific scenes. Others, such as this hat-shaped one, were covered with decorative wallpaper of the day.

In the early 1800s, Americans used bandboxes to store clothing, accessories, and other small items. Bandboxes were handy containers in the home or when traveling by stage, boat, or rail. Manufacturers covered these inexpensive pasteboard or wooden boxes with colorful papers. Some bandboxes were covered with papers depicting animals, places or specific scenes. Others, such as this hat-shaped one, were covered with decorative wallpaper of the day.

Artifact

Bandbox (Container)

Date Made

1810-1830

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2001.0.18.40

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Pasteboard (Paper)
Wallpaper

Color

Blue
Yellow
Brown
Pink (Color)
White (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 7.75 in

Width: 12 in

Length: 8.75 in

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