Cash Box
PeriodCirca 1840 - 1860
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumBlack painted tin, zinc, brass
Dimensions7.5 × 12.63 × 0.1 in. (19.1 × 32.1 × 0.3 cm)
ClassificationsOccupational Equipment
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Walter A. Rullman, 1975
Object number1975.20.8
DescriptionA cash box, rectangular, with hinged lid. The box body is shaped, curving outward towards the top edge of the box. The attached lid is stepped and topped with a large brass bail handle. Each side of the lid is ornamented with an applied brass five-pointed star. The lid closes and fastens with a hinged brass padlock strap.Curatorial RemarksCash boxes were used by the majority of businessmen, farmers, and tradesmen to store their money, receipts, and papers for transactions. Most were rectangular, made of black painted or enameled metal, often tin or zinc. Most had hinged lids and had some way, such as padlock straps, to lock and secure the contents. This charming cash box is set apart from the usual run of plain rectangular utilitiarian boxes by its bold curving form and applied brass stars.
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