Description

These tin boxed spices sets were in prolific use from the 18th century through the end of the 19th century. From a time when half a dozen or so basic spices were considered a fine domestic inventory and the cost of such luxuries required a secure place to keep them. While the boxes found extensive use in the field and wagon inventories, they were also commonly found in many period home kitchens. This set has wonderful age and patina indicative of honest yet careful use. The box is complete with its seams all intact, the hasp for lock is complete and unbroken. Brass handle still in place. (securing nuts are replacements) Rolled edge of lid has interior wire like Civil War era cups and pots. While exterior of box was likely originally jappaned, it is mostly worn off revealing a dark gray tin surface. Interior of box was originally bright tinned, only 80% remans inside lid and a remnant in the bottom. Spice tins were likewise tinned with about 25% remaining. Six interior tins with early flat bottom construction and flat side seams. Lids are more rare dome style two-piece construction often associated with earlier examples. All tins are sound with just a few minor separations of side seams near the mouth. One tin is slightly larger although identical construction. These sets were sometimes sold with one larger tin for most commonly used spice, especially in round box sets where it was placed in the center. (could also be an intentional replacement for same purpose also seen in original examples) This set also comes with its original nutmeg grinder included with most sets when originally sold, but often missing with vintage examples. A very nice example with good age and character for display or use as opposed to the more pristine jappaned collector examples fetching twice the price.