The Mysterious Handkerchief Box
Two small boxes, wrapped in matching snowmen paper, sat below a tiny Christmas tree at Grandma G.’s home last year. Both were labeled, ‘Rebekah or Mel’. Grandma informed us that we would have to decide who gets what box.
After a quick wrestling match, complete with a few well-placed uppercuts, my sis-in-law Mel chose her box first as I nursed my bloody nose.
Once I had recovered, I removed the snowmen paper, revealing this mysterious box.
Grandma had no recollection of where she purchased the box, how long ago she had done so or who had made it.
Mel’s box was quite similar, but the shape was more rectangular. Her box was labeled, ‘Gloves’.
Other than the hinges you see here, the box was entirely made of wood which was exquisitely decorated.
There is no ‘maker’s mark’ on the box anywhere. I have investigated it thoroughly. (They don’t call me Nancy Drew for nuthin’).
The inside lid of the box is almost identical to the outside lid, sans the hand painting.
It’s so delicate, so unique. Grandma even included two handkerchiefs which still live inside the box.
I would love to know the history behind this mysterious box-the maker, the possible time period it was created and how it was crafted.
If you know anything about this handkerchief box, please let me in on your secret. This curious kitty is dying to know.
Hi Rebekah!
I am so glad I found this post. I just purchased the exact same hanky box yesterday at our local Antique Mall. I, too would like more info on it. Mine does not have the hinges, or even show that hinges were on it at any time. I would love to find out if you learned more about the box after this post. Thank you!
Penny