Antique Civil War Era US Navy Shaving Kit Soap Box - Hard India Rubber Vulcanite For Sale

This is a hard to find Civil War era US Navy shaving kit. It bears a US Navy Anchor insignia and motto, Don\'t give up the ship. These round boxes were personal items popular with officers. They held shaving soap and contained a mirror in the lid. Most of these I have seen are marked as being made by the Novelty Rubber Company of New Jersey. They also usually bear a Goodyear patent dated May 6, 1851. This one is completely unmarked. My research indicates that these were marked in various ways and it is not unheard of for these to be unmarked. These are usually sold as being made of gutta percha. My research based on the original patent information shows that these are actually hard India rubber, also sometimes called Vulcanite. Condition of this one is very good other than it is missing the mirror and mounting ring usually found in the lid. There is some color variation between the top and bottom but it is not as pronounced in real life as my strong studio light photo makes it appear. As you can see in the first photo, there is a small nick to the top edge and a slight scratch across the radial ribbing. This scratch is so minor that I had not noticed it until I took the photo and had to search it out once I knew it was there. There are also some small nicks to the bottom edge. There is no cracking anywhere. The box is about 1 1/2\" tall and 3 1/4\" diameter. Flat rate shipping is free to the US lower 48 states. Please ask for a quote to AK, HI, or international destinations.

 
  
  
 
  
   Note:
I try to offer interesting old merchandise at reasonable prices. I do not sell new items or reproductions without stating so in an item description. I try to be super-accurate in my descriptions. However, if I should somehow happen to misrepresent an item, I will refund purchase price and all shipping charges. Returns for other reasons will be handled on a case by case basis and mutual agreement. All returns must be approved in advance and executed within one week of sale\'s end. In the unlikely event that an item should get damaged in shipping, prompt reimbursement will be provided on proof of claim. Insurance is included in all shipping but may not be indicated on postage labels. E-mail me with questions well before an sale ends. I will try to answer promptly but am not always at my computer. Please understand if I do not get back to you immediately. I want you to be happy with any item purchased from me and will do my best to assure it. Thanks,
Brad