A 19th c. hanging utility box with a canted body design. Constructed entirely of fully figured tiger maple wood and joined with hand wrought and filed iron nails formed from rodstock. The lid is hinged via small iron snipe hinges pierced through the backboard and features a thumbnail molded front decorated with a single beaded edge. 
 
A visually exciting cut backboard is a focal point. Cut from a single body of 9/16" thick tiger maple wood with a complex crest with scrollwork cutouts forming a pierced lollipop above a trefoil and double arch profile. 
 
During the 2nd quarter of the 20th c. an overcoat of enamel paint was applied which has been expertly removed recently revealing a wonderfully pigmented varnished finish. Remains in an overall excellent state of condition with originality intact. 
 
Exciting, bold and stately. One of the finest utility boxes we have ever offered. American origin, possibly New York, New England, or southern Canada. Ca. 1780-1820. 16 7/8"T x 9 5/8"W x 5"D.