The first is composed of polychrome decorated pine bound with rattan strips, painted in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, this type of construction dates the box to the first half of the 19th century (good to fair condition with paint loss and some rattan thongs missing) (7 x 15 in.); the second is likely European, paint decorated paper featuring birds plucking fruit against a blue field (flaking and fading) (5.75 x 10.25 in.).

The Lifelong Collection of Keith and Caroline Gray, Charlotte, NC. Keith and Caroline Gray were passionate about antiques, art, and history. Together they attended antique shows and auctions for decades – assembling a collection particularly strong on American coin silver, Asian art, historical documents, early images, and English ceramics. Both were longtime supporters of the Mint Museum in Charlotte, with Caroline serving in multiple capacities from docent to a member of the acquisitions board and trustee. Caroline translated her love of material culture into a successful career, becoming a certified property appraiser in Charlotte.