Antique Chip Carved Tramp Art Box

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A wonderful example of American folk art, this Tramp Art box is constructed from a repurposed cigar box, layered and … Read more A wonderful example of American folk art, this Tramp Art box is constructed from a repurposed cigar box, layered and hand chip-carved in the classic notched technique associated with the style.
The lid rises into a dramatic stepped pyramid (hip-roof) form, built up from dozens of successively smaller notched layers, each edge finished with the small triangular notching that defines Tramp Art. The sides carry the same dense, all-over chip-carved texture.
The interior is fully lined in a rich crimson satin, with a tufted, padded lid lining secured with small brass tacks. The base wood shows visible saw/plane marks and old nail fasteners along the lid's interior edge, further evidence of its handcrafted construction.

Constructed from a repurposed antique cigar box bearing a partial factory stamp "Factory No. 551, 2nd Dist., N.Y." with the standard period tax-compliance notice, consistent with U.S. cigar box labeling practices from the late 19th to early 20th century. The specific factory has not been definitively identified. See less