Band Box
Mid-19th century
Pressed board and fabric
Maker unknown
JJ.1966.294
“Bands” referred to men’s detachable collars which the boxes were used to store originally in the 17th century. Band boxes were in wide use in the early 19th century and out of fashion by the Civil War. They served as protective packaging for new purchases and thereafter, decorative storage for articles of clothing like hats, scarves, gloves and bonnets. Decorations on the boxes often included historical events or landmarks around the United States, as well as transportation scenes like the railroad and canals.
This band box, likely French in origin, is covered in fabric with a turquoise background, ribbon festooned with roses between cartouche with women strolling in garden, and a chain border around top with woman’s portrait. The fabric inside is striped.
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