Oval Boxes

Shaker Oval Boxes have become a well known symbol of both Americana and of the Shakers. Boxes of this nature were used to store everything from dried herbs to paint pigments. Like everything the Shakers did, when they began to make boxes on a large scale, they made improvements in the specifications and the process of oval box making. Their design and craftsmanship provided a box with uniformly slender sides, symmetrical joints and tight fitting lids. The swallowtails were not an effort to adorn the boxes. The swallowtails served a useful purpose, like all things Shaker made. The space between the swallowtails allowed the joints to expand and contract with changes in the climate, preventing buckling or cracking.

The Shakers produced their first oval boxes in the 1790’s and continued to do so, with very little change in design, until Brother Delmer Wilson completed the last set in 1955 at the Sabbathday Lake Community, Maine, thus bringing to an end one of the most successful Shaker craft industries.

Box No

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

New Lebanon Oval Box (Sold only as a set of three.)

Sizes 5, 6 and 7 in Cherry. They are painted and lightly distressed to resemble a rare set made in the New Lebanon Community.

No. 8 Tall

This unusual box is thought to be attributed to Daniel Crossman, box maker at New Lebanon in about 1860. It makes a very handsome ornament.

Button Box

These boxes are made to the same oval as the No 4, 6 and 8. Having only two fingers they are shallow and were used to store sewing materials and buttons.

Presentation Box

The origin of this shaped box is thought to be Sabbath Lake in Maine. The pinched ends of the box create a challenge in bending to keep the wood from breaking.