RUFUS PORTER-ATTRIBUTED, DOME-TOP BOX:

Attributed to Rufus Porter (1792-1884) and dating to the American Civil War, this small, dome-top box is decorated with the whimsical trees that are so characteristic of this influential American folk painter.  Inside the lid, names and dates of two previous owners are penciled:

1864
Orville Clark Bumford
Clark E. Woodard
1924

Verbal history from the boxes most recent owners indicates that it was advertised in the Magazine Antiques in the 1950's, and though I have not had the time to verify this information, I have little reason to doubt it as factual.

The box is made of pine or fir and constructed with cut nails.  It has a typical, forged lock of the period and spring-type, wire hinges.