RARE MID-19TH CENTURY AMERICAN FOLK ART ANTIQUE HAND PAINTED SALMON INTERIOR, GREEN & BLACK EXTERIOR, SINGLE SIDE-DRAWER with WOOD PULL, FORMER TRAVEL WRITING BOX CONVERTED into a TOOL BOX, with HINGED LID & REPLACED OLD IRON REAR LATCHES & IRON FRONT LOCK CLASP 

[100% Untouched & undisturbed original painted surfaces & remaining in 'as-found' antique condition.]

(Circa 1845-1865)

Early-mid 19th century American folk art hand painted furniture, travel writing boxes & decorative accessories

DIMENSIONS: 

20" Width x 9 1⁄2" Height x 11" Depth 
Weight: 11 lbs. 3 oz.

DESCRIPTION:

In absolutely original, completely untouched, antique condition. This rare, hand painted early to mid 19th century American antique portable writing box or travel desk, is only missing the two interior pine wood plates that would have once constituted its writing surface. The box's two, hinged halves are cut at angles, as were nearly all of these early-mid 19th century wooden writing boxes, so that when the hinged lid is opened and laid down on a table, the slanted writing surface would become apparent and operational. Often, these interior writing surfaces were lined with a period felt cover, often in green, purple or red felt, so that the paper wouldn't slip on the surface of the wood and croquill tipped pens wouldn't snap off, when writing on a hard surface. These two interior boards have been long since separated from the writing box. What remains however, is a hand-painted, choice interior salmon pink dry paint that's simply superlative and very highly searched for and coveted by collectors. The outside of the box is hand painted in dark green with decorative black painted edging and corner medallions. The iron gate hinges on the back of the box were likely replacements of the box's original, finer hinges. It appears, as is true to Yankee thriftiness and make-do sensibility, that this writing box may have been at some point long ago, out of practicality, converted into a tool box, abandoning its original purpose and design. The front divided compartments would've been seen as great for holding nails, screws and other fasteners. The wood writing 2-piece tableau may have been removed to allow easier access to the hand tools placed inside. The front of the box has an iron looped latch, no doubt a replacement and sturdier, designed to hold a lock and to support more weight, as with the oversized iron latches on the rear of the wooden box. The interior or exterior of the box haven't even been dusted, allowing the original paint and original dry surfaces to be honestly represented in the photographs and to allow us to make the claim that it indeed hasn't been 'touched.' Found in interior New Hampshire in the lakes region north of Concord, NH. Early to mid 19th century American folk art painted wooden furniture and decorative wood accessories in salmon pink and robin egg blue are considered 'choice' colors and are rare and highly coveted. Many other early and wonderful primitive antique objects came out of this same estate. We were fortunate enough to acquire this extraordinary and amazing early to mid-19th century American pine wood decorated, traveling writing desk in green, black and salmon paint. Fortunately, others looking at the items from the estate, didn't bother to open the box or they would have simply gasped when they saw the dry salmon paint hidden from view inside. Top shelf. no dishonest 'in-painting' or other ill-advised and disingenuous 'improvements' were made to the box. It remains as it was found and in close to originally constituted condition. It's a writing desk that was later converted into a tool box to suit the owner's changing personal needs. An amazing American antique artifact from the heart of New England and a wonderful piece of painted early to mid 19th century American folk art. Top shelf. Not bastardized or messed with (thank God.) Honest. Authentic. Original.

CONDITION:

Good to Very Good overall antique condition.