Bandbox, circa 1835

01

Artifact Overview

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. This bandbox's paper depicts two ships -- a steamship and a fully rigged sailing ship -- plying the waters of the Providence River in Rhode Island.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Bandbox (Container)

Date Made

circa 1835

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.1598.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cardboard
Wallpaper
Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Blue
White (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 12.25 in
Width: 18.5 in
Length: 14.5 in

Inscriptions

On side of box: PROVIDENCE - RI[VER]
Bandbox, circa 1835