Posted 10 years ago
iambtgrub
(2 items)
I bought this at a yard sale a number of years ago. I loved this little wooden box with the slide piece on top & then the swivel opening. I was told it was an old English school box, but pencils wouldn't fit in it. It is only 5 1/4" x 2 1/4 x 2 1/4". I thought it would have to be an old bank, since it had been a locking piece at one time & there was a slot under the sliding piece of wood. (No key came with the piece) The man told me it belonged to his wife, but she wasn't present to verify the information, but there was a handwritten slip of paper inside the box. There is what appears to be an old decal possibly on the top. There is a name written in pencil on the bottom of the box, but it can't be made out.
I have tried to find something like this online a number of times & find nothing like it. Can someone help me out with more information? Thanks.
I am willing to bet you didn't research collection boxes.
This one doesn't have a lock but is from England and you can get the idea.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unusual-Victorian-Wooden-CHURCH-COLLECTION-OFFERING-BOX-034-For-Hospital-034-/390568475175
You would need to be pretty old to know what this is.
fhrj2 OK. Never thought of that. When I first looked at what you were showing, I thought it couldn't be that, as mine has no handle. When you slide the top portion though, it could be used for this. I don't think it is a sturdy enough piece of wood that it could have been used as a handle, however, the money could have been slipped into the slot & the box just passed. Thanks so much for some thought on this. I was told it was a school box from England, but I didn't think that made sense at all. I've never seen a collection box.....just offering plates. Thanks so much!
Open the slot cover, deposit your donation and close it. Then pass it along to the next person. The lock was there to keep people honest. I have only actually seen this type box in poor communities and in the USA. Most places had silver plates they passed and didn't worry about thieves. I question this being used in a school but it could have been a ballot box I suppose. You might want to research that.
I just don't think I was told something accurate when I bought it. I didn't think so at the time. I think you are right, except, as I was looking these up more, I thought it might not have even been something that was passed along, but could have been something sitting near the altar or somewhere that was for offerings for the poor or needy or like you said a church that not much was given in the offerings. It is small, but I think this is what it must be. I just loved that it did unexpected things with the slide & then the top swivel. It's a very sweet little piece. Thanks again.