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This genuinely antique and rare menswear shop pantry box, lined with the shop’s original advertising insert, originated in Philadelphia, PA, likely around the early 1900s. It is a wonderfully made out of bentwood and leather, a high quality example of antique boxing. Inside, covering the floor of the box, the original store advertisement for the M. Listokin Men’s Clothing Shop where it was used to store such millinery items as formal men’s hats, shirts and the starched collars that were popular menswear during that time period.
The top and bottom of this box is covered in black leather, and the inner lid is a soft brown leather. The great patina this old box has acquired over its many years is a testament to the workmanship and artistic capabilities of past decades, making this box, with its classic design appeal, a real treasure.
This unique box retains its original wooden handle, leather lid and top, bentwood construction, and inner lining with store advertising.
The framed bentwood construction of the box, has held up almost perfectly, through many, many decades. The original advertising liner is quite frayed around its edges, but intact. It has accumulated dust and discoloration over time, but the advertising black lettering on a tan background, is still very distinct and easy to read. The advertising lining itself is either a heavy cardboard or leather, I am not sure which, and I did not pull it out to verify, because I did not want to risk tearing it!
Approximate measurements:
Top diameter, with lid on: 16 inches
Box w/out lid diameter: 15 inches
Outside Bottom: 15 1/2 inches
Height w/lid: 4 1/2 inches
Box depth: 4 inches
Condition:
Overall, very good condition with some age related wear. The box opens and closes snugly and easily with the bentwood lid. The store advertising insert has accumulated dust and stain, but is very legible and clear.
The bentwood of the body and lid are in great shape, held with tiny nails that are almost invisible. The bentwood has not warped out of shape, and is still solidly constructed. The single carrying handle is secured with heavy metal wire, and the wooden spool-type black painted handle is in good condition, other than a small divit on one side.
Overall, this box is in very good antique condition, and, with love and care, should hold up for another century!
Although it was designed originally for storing and carrying menswear hats, shirts and starched collars, it can now make unique decorative storage, as well as display potential, in any room of your home, and is sure to draw attention and inspire interest! And for the collector of antique boxes and containers, it will be a prized addition!
Many of my antiques and vintage items come from small town shops, roadside yard and estate sales. My own home is Primitive style, and sometimes I will downsize my own collections, which have a way of out-growing my space!
The photos provide the best description, so please view them all (and use the zoom for the best assessment of overall appearance and condition).
I try my very best to give accurate descriptions of all my items, as well as their condition, but will provide you with additional photos on request, and am happy to answer any questions you may have, before you make an offer or place a offer. Please be aware that most of the items I offer are Vintage or Antique, and, due to advanced age, handling, previous ownership and storage, over time, may show smaller flaws and markings that are simply not possible to catalog entirely, or display in photos, where color shades can differ slightly, according to lighting conditions.
Please note that other items displayed in photos are for illustrative purposes only, and are not part of the sale.
You can be confident that your item will be handled with extra care when it is sent out to you. Depending on their size and weight, items will be shipped insured with either USPS Mail, UPS or FedEx.
** Note: Shipping costs will be higher when sending a large, heavy, and/or fragile item that requires a larger shipping box, extended time to assemble packaging, and extra packing materials.
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