19th C Dovetailed Writing Box with Fine Scherenschnitte Decorated Lid metal toy It would once have had

It would once have had a little flip down cigarette rest inside

Otherwise the wood

I've got a bit of a weakness for what might be described as portraits of the artist as a young man (or young woman

they are in great shape

19th C Dovetailed Writing Box with Fine Scherenschnitte Decorated Lid metal toy It would once have hadI found this special box in Great Barrington, Ma, and think the wonderful Scherenschnitte cut paper decoupage on the lid is either New England or Pennsylvania in origin, and likely dates to the mid 19th century. There may be some loss but not a lot; among the finely cut images are swans swimming and a variety of other birds, including an eagle with spread wings holding either a snake or banner in its beak. At the center, surrounded by figures with