Bandbox, 1846

Summary

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 animals, places or specific scenes. Others, such as this one, were covered with decorative wallpaper of the day.

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 animals, places or specific scenes. Others, such as this one, were covered with decorative wallpaper of the day.

Artifact

Bandbox (Container)

Date Made

1846

Place of Creation

United States, Pennsylvania 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.170.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cardboard
Wallpaper
Newspaper
Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Green
Blue
Yellow (Color)
Brown
Orange (Color)
White (Color)
Red

Dimensions

Height: 13.75 in

Width: 17.75 in

Length: 13.75 in

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