An unusual one. There are wrapped birch bark boxes of this ilk that are described Scandinavian, and others described as Native American--I am really not entirely sure about this one, but I do know that it is an old one, 19th century I do believe, with iron nails holding it together here and there. I've never seen another with a cutout like this in the bark--let alone a heart!--and, curiously, the appears to be an image of a few playing cards showing through (I see a six of diamonds!), set against a stained green ground, also bark. (One can just see the edges of that green stained strip of bark showing through behind the scalloped edge about it. The dealer I purchased this from speculated sailor made, perhaps by a Swedish sailor for his sweetheart!--but I don't know for sure. In any case, really a nice one, beautifully constructed and with a rich patina to the bark--and how to resist a box with a heart?
3 7/8" t x 3 1/2" w x 2 1/2" d. Very good condition, with just minor surface loss here and there. Sound and sturdy, with lid sitting flush.
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