19th Century Finger Lapped Oval Pantry Box with Remnants of Original Paint, Rich Patina tool box 3 3/8" diameter x 3/4"

3 3/8" diameter x 3/4" t

both among my very favorites I've had

To dispense matches

The linen backing and needlework itself has held up extremely well and appears almost completely intact

and I'd think well more than that

19th Century Finger Lapped Oval Pantry Box with Remnants of Original Paint, Rich Patina tool box 3 3/8" diameter x 3/4"I am not a connoisseur of antique pantry boxes, though there are many I find very beautiful (and indeed most often the ones fetching many hundreds of dollars.) Occasionally one strikes me as meant for me, though, as this one did, found in New Hampshire last week. Perfect size, perfect oval shape, gracefully tapering opposing finger laps, one on the lid and one on the body, squared off at the points. Most of all I love the patina, with just remnants of