19th Century Red, White, and Blue Ballot Box

Circa 1870s: In the decade following the Civil War and leading up to America's centennial anniversary, a justifiable wave of patriotism spread across the nation so that its people might begin to heal and reunite after their long and violent struggle. Consequently, many types of objects were decorated in Old Glory's red, white, and blue color palette, such as this utterly fantastic 10.25"L x 5.5"H x 9.5"D (including handle) ballot box in vibrant original paint. Most probably made for use by a fraternal organization such as the Masons or the Odd Fellows, this patriotic ballot box is extremely well constructed with fine details: tiny square brads, canted base molding, handmade tin funnels to make it easy to drop in marbles, inset pieces of wood on top to ensure a tight closure, and beautifully turned wooden handle. It is fitting, of course, that an organization's ballot box would be decorated in our nation's colors as our most basic and important right as American citizens is our right to vote, and this ballot box serves as reminder for each of us to cast our vote wisely on every issue before us, no matter how large or how small; for the vote is the backbone of our great democracy.