Bandbox, circa 1840

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 a combination steam-and-sailing ship. This hybrid travel option made oceangoing travel quicker over traditional sailing ships.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Bandbox (Container)

Date Made

circa 1840

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2001.0.18.69

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cardboard
Wallpaper

Color

Blue
Red
Yellow (Color)
Black (Color)
White (Color)