Antique Wooden Railway Egg Box Transportation Crate, Early 20Th Century

ANTIQUE KITCHENALIA/FARMING INTEREST

A wooden crate originally used to transport eggs safely from a rural farm, usually by railway, to their final destination in a town or city.

This is one of the largest examples of this type I have found, to hold 200 eggs.

‘Eggs’ stamped in large type on five sides. Also stamped ‘Cushion Patent’,

The Cushion Patent Egg Box was made by The Patentees & Manufacturers, The Dairy Outfit Co. Ltd., Kings Cross, London, N1. Awarded 9 First Prizes and Medals for safety Egg Boxes.

Dating from the early 20th Century, circa 1920s-1930s.

Constructed from solid wood and 3-ply hardwood with original iron hardware and protective steel edging strips.

Unusually there is still a railway transport label still present along with remnants of others. It reads ‘LNER (London North east Railway) From Boston, Perishables by Goods Train, To Barnsley via Doncaster… ‘

At some point in its life the box has been converted to hold live contents as air holes have been drilled in the top. I would presume it was probably for birds and can only imagine the sights, sounds and smells of the railway during this period.

The box is in good vintage order, it is solid and sturdy and still usable. All the original hardware is present and also usable. There is wear throughout commensurate with age and use, which we think adds to its charm and tells its story.

There is some old worm present that we have treated for good measure.

Approximate measurements: 60cm wide x 35cm deep x 32cm high.