Bandbox, circa 1845

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. Some bandboxes were covered with papers depicting birds and animals. This bandbox's paper shows two grouse in a woodland setting.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Bandbox (Container)

Date Made

circa 1845

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2001.0.18.49

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cardboard
Wallpaper

Color

Yellow (Color)
Brown
Pink (Color)
White (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 9.5 in
Width: 16.75 in
Length: 13.5 in

Inscriptions

On inside of lid [in ink]: Edward A. Plank
Bandbox, circa 1845