19th century, wooden construction, sheathed in deerskin bound with leather strips secured by brass rivets, affixed with two iron handles, an iron lock with a brass fly, the interior lined with period newsprint.

8.5 x 18 x 10 in.

Private collection, Richmond, VA

Though no dates are apparent on the newspaper lining, there is an announcement of the upcoming 1834 wedding between English actress Fanny Kemble and local planter Pierce Butler. During her marriage, the former Miss Kemble witnessed the horrors of slavery in her own home and became a vociferous abolitionist, much to her husband's chagrin and disgust. A divorce followed, of course. It should be noted, too, that the box lining also carries an illustrated runaway slave advertisement from the same newspaper.

Mothing to the deerskin; leather elements dry with moderate crazing; some rivets missing.

$300 - 500