May 22, 2014

Mystery Box

I acquired this box from my mother a few years ago.  She picked it up out of my Grandmother's house, along with a few other very old things, when she passed away.   Grandma never threw anything away and re purposed just about everything you can imagine. 
What originally caught my eye was the dove tailing on the sides.  Most of the box was entirely covered in this tan paper when the box was handed over to me.  It thought it looked cool and original so I left it that way.
Last night there was a bit of sun shining on the floor next to the box so I sat in it to take a quiet moment.  I began to really study the box and realized that this tan paper used to be wallpaper.  It was badly water and sun damaged and I could barely make out a design in the paper.   I am guessing Grandma or maybe even Great Grandma had taken this old box and covered it with pretty paper to use it in the house.  I have often wondered what was underneath it all, so after three years, I began the process of uncovering the mystery.





So, I am taking guesses on what the box was used for and what all the wording underneath is.  I have my guess.  What's yours?  It will take me a couple of days to uncover it.  I am being extra careful not to damage the wood.  I will show you all when I am done.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend.

9 comments:

BumbleBeeLane said...

Explosive box. Wonderful old box can't wait to see it uncovered. Looks like maybe Hercules but I've never seen a 50 lb one. Slow and steady..smile... Amy

Dirty Martini Queen said...

Extremely cool box and I agree with Amy, I think it's an explosive box. Then that begs the question of where did Grandma get it from? Can't wait to see it after you get all the paper removed.
Donna

Primitive Stars said...

Evening, I love the old box, wonderful. Blessings Francine.

Danice G said...

Yes, agreeing with Amy that the box appears to be an old explosives box. Perhaps once contained black powder? If so, this would date the box to pre-bullet firearms era, when flintlocks and percussion firearms were used. The letters, "POW" are showing on the box. Looking forward to finding out just what the old box really is :)

Holly said...

Maybe gun powder? Can't wait to find out. What a treasure!

Cindi said...

Oh how fun! I can't wait to see what it is. Funny but this brought back memories when I was in middle school and I covered boxes and cans with contact paper to use in my room....I threw them away but it would be funny how to see what Grandma would say with all of us drooling over an old box that she covered. Love you and have a great weekend!
Be blessed,
Cindi

Unknown said...

Looks like my butter boxes, but mine are 56 lbs not 50 I believe.
Great box!!
I stack mine and have a plant pot in the top one

Unknown said...

I'm guessing black powder

A Primitive Homestead said...

Seeing powder my thought was gun powder. I have three much smaller wood boxes with the divetailed edges. The have gun powder on them. Fun guessing.