Carved Victorian Boot Match Safe Arthur armour The solid orange/red lacquer handle

The solid orange/red lacquer handle at the center of the top makes this box particularly nice

The two began creating pottery in 1947 as a hobby while living in New Brunswick

and documented in detailed photo

and also Black Mountain College

19th century I believe

Carved Victorian Boot Match Safe Arthur armour The solid orange/red lacquer handleBoot shaped match safes were definitely a thing one finds carved as well as cast iron versions shaped like cowboy boots as well as Victorian boots, which I believe is the case with this one, which I believe dates to the end of the 19th century. I'm a sucker for a carved shoe or boot to begin with, and even better if serves a function! The finish to the wood is well worn, particularly on one side, but there are no notable chips or cracks and it remains