vintage Montgomery Wards domed metal lunch box embossed stars

David Shayt, curator of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, states that “Some of our earliest examples, from the 19th century, were woven baskets with handles. A meal would be wrapped in a handkerchief. Depending on your station, a fancy wooden box would be used by the wealthy.” Tinplate boxes and recycled biscuit tins commonly were used in the early 1800s, and fitted metal pails and boxes began to appear around the 1850s. Patents started to appear for lunchbox inventions in the 1860s. In 1935, Geuder, Paeschke and Frey produced the first licensed character lunch box, Mickey Mouse. It was a lithographed oval tin, with a pull-out tray inside. It had no vacuum bottle, but did have a handle.In 1950, Aladdin Industries created the first children’s lunch box based on a television show, Hopalong Cassidy. *www.thevintagenews.com

This handsome lunchbox has seen some long work days, the original owner's name is still on the sticker label!.. he is in good condition with some exterior marks and surface rusting. The clasps and hinges work as designed, but could also use some cleaning..

Measures 9"l x 7"t x 4"w



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SHOP NOTE: All items listed are "as found" and they will be shipped “as found” since we are not professional cleaners we do not want to inadvertently damage any item, but we strive to note any significant damage, blemishes, or wear to the item. PLEASE read the entire description, look at all of the photos, and contact us with any concerns or questions before purchasing and request any additional photos that would help in your decision. Keep in mind that most antiques and vintage items will show some appropriate signs of age…which is all part of their charm!