A 19th c. wooden spruce gum box in original brown and black stained finishes.
Constructed from spruce wood from the solid with two slid lid covers, one for accessing the interior during use nad features a thumb grab. Oyster white paint adorns the covers and side, forming a lifelike appearance of book pages with brushstrokes running strictly vertically for effect. 
The body is profusely carved with a myriad of carvings, all of which are extremely well executed with precision and fine lines. Interlocking hearts flanked by vine foliage, opposing birds, Flower of Life and geometric diamonds flanked by fanned corners display one side. The oposing features a more complex set of Flower of Life compass work with intricate herringbone, additional vine foliage, and a large monstrance with a sunburst array and step base accented with geometrics.
Germanic settlements in Novia Scotia produced many of these boxes to hold chewing gum and were commonly decorated with motifs echoing centuries of practiced Frisian carvings. This particular example portrays more unusually fine carving in its motifs with great care taken for its original layout and exudes great patience from its maker. A superb example of Maritime craft.
Remains in overall good condition with external wear from use. Surface elements are ideal with rich oxidation and anomalies. 
Nova Scotia, possibly Lunenburg County. Ca. 1870. 6 7/8"T.