The wood box is really beautiful workmanship, and has the U.S.P.O. metal door and frame on the front. I don't know the details of why the door is no longer in the post office, but this is box number 174 which was used there for many years of mail delivery. When my wife and I first moved to Baldwin City in the early 1980s, we had box number 146 which was just a couple of rows away on the U.S.P.O. wall.
I don't know what kind of wood was used, but I think it is quality material. Like I noted, the fit and finish are excellent. (Maybe BrokenolMarine will comment?). The lock works just fine, no squeaks when opening the door, and it is a very heavy box. The top measures 5" square and it is 6-1/2" tall. I think the grains have popped beautifully, and I really, really like the stain color. Just like I love to view Henry rifle stocks, this is also a very appealing wood piece.
Wish I could say I built this box.
Hope you all enjoy the pics.PT7
- Top Commemorative Plaque
- Baldwin City postal box_3514.JPG (227.3 KiB) Viewed 6072 times
- Lockbox Front Door
- Baldwin City postal box_3515.JPG (283.91 KiB) Viewed 6072 times
- Lockbox Mechanism
- Baldwin City postal box_3516.JPG (210.12 KiB) Viewed 6072 times
- Wood Box Interior
- Baldwin City postal box_3518.JPG (255.87 KiB) Viewed 6072 times
- Back of Wood Box
- Baldwin City postal box_3519.JPG (263.78 KiB) Viewed 6072 times
You can find replicas. But these I had missed were originals, reclaimed from demolition or upgrades to old post offices. Sometimes you find people clearing out their shops of "I thought I would eventually," project items too.