Antique Mercantile Box For Ladies Stockings

Description

Late 19thC Store Box Used for “Ladies Stockings” This box was used in an old mercantile to store ladies stockings for sale. It probably sat back behind the counter in the millinery section of the store, amid drawers & boxes that were all marked with the same type of labeling & decoration. Although the label has somewhat darkened with age, you can clearly see the words “Ladies Stockings” on it. The box is made of pine & faux grain painted with the simple rust colored cartouche on the front that contains the label. The interior lid of the box tell its story, for on it (in pencil) there are noted all sorts of the shopkeeper’s activities in reference to that box. They have written “Ladies Balmoral Stockings” “.45 a pair” along with other ciphering & counting. Measuring 18 1/4 inches long by 8 1/4 inches wide by 3 3/4 inches high, condition is very good with minor signs of wear attendant with age & use. After all, this was used in a working mercantile. But it was cared for & valued enough to be saved. It looks like the hint brackets on the back might have been reinforced long ago. Please see photos as they are part of the description. This is a piece that tells a small story of how commerce was done in the late 19thC. It is a silent reminder of just how very much the way of doing business has changed. Antique Mercantile Box For Ladies Stockings