Add a piece of 19th-century mercantile history to your shelf.
This original Pontius Pure Sealing Wax crate dates to the 1890s–1910s and hails from Columbia City, Indiana. Crafted with beautiful dovetailed/finger-jointed corners, the front features bold black stenciling:
“5¢ Pontius TRADE MARK – THE BEST THAT MAN CAN MAKE – PURE SEALING WAX – NONE GENUINE UNLESS IT BEARS THE SIGNATURE OF THE MANUFACTURER – George N. Pontius – COLUMBIA CITY IND.”
Condition & Details
• Solid wood with rich patina and age-appropriate wear
• Strong, legible graphics with excellent contrast
• Dovetailed construction intact, no major cracks or breaks
• Interior shows use but is clean and odor-free
• Approx. 14-1/4" W x 8-1/4" D x 9-1/4" H
History
Before envelopes were self-sealing, wax like this was used to secure letters, legal documents, and parcels. A merchant would buy wax in bulk crates like this one, then sell individual sticks for 5¢. George N. Pontius marketed his as “The Best That Man Can Make” — and this crate proves it.