Antique “Gibson Girl” Pyrography Keepsake Box

This antique wooden box is an example of pyrographic art that was so popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  The Flemish Art Company–or FLEM-ART-CO–of Brooklyn (see history below) was the premier producer of this type of decorative item, which ranged from furniture to wall art to boxes of all types–for gloves, handkerchiefs, collars, ties, jewelry, and everything in between.  Some had their purpose etched on the lid; others were simply labeled “Utility,” or had no text.  The box offered here is square, features a “Gibson Girl” portrait medallion on the lid and a basket-weave and heart motif around the sides.  The presence of arrow-pierced hearts suggests this was a Valentine’s gift, or a box in which to store valentines or other sentimental keepsakes.  There are two metal hinges along the back attached with tiny nails and a fancy metal closure in front.  The top and bottom edges are beveled.  The interior is unlined.   See dimensions and condition description below.  

APPROX. DIMENSIONS:   8″ x 8″ x 2.5″

CONDITION: Very good used antique condition with wear consistent with age and prior use.  A section about 1.5″ long is missing from the left bottom edge  at the rear, and inside the lid there’s an area where one of the nails on the hinge caused the wood to split.  However, neither of these detracts from appearance or function.  The exterior of the box can be conditioned with orange or lemon oil for added luster and more even finish.

SHIPPING: $9.99 flat rate shipping valid only for street addresses within contiguous United States; we cannot deliver to post office boxes.  For shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and elsewhere, please contact us with your location for a custom shipping quote.

HISTORY: The Flemish Art Company was founded in the year 1900; in the year 1907 the company published “A Complete Course of Instructions — being a complete treatise on ‘wood burning.'”  A fascinating look into the manufacturing process can be found here: http://pyromuse.org/flemish_art_factory.html

A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.”  As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability.  Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift.  All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof. 

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