Antique 1800's Pantry Box Traces of Sage Green Paint

This 1800's pantry box considered utilitarian treenware, was a very important staple to the early settlers. Critters in the pantry were a troublesome matter to colonial women. Dry goods like flour, sugar, grain and the like had to be placed in covered food storage boxes to help protect them. These boxes were imported from Europe until American factories began producing them during the late18th century. Some were painted in pleasing colors, like this one however, there is only a whisper of paint that remains. These boxes actually brightened up a plain corner when stacked together while others were varnished in plain wood. Pantry boxes were fashioned in graduated sizes. The largest held cheese or butter, the smallest contained pills or spices and the in ~ between sizes accommodated everything else. Each had a snug fitting lid. So interesting! This pantry box has a nice chestnut hue with traces of sage green paint throughout. Bentwood construction incorporated with round nails on both the