Antique Wire Hinged Box Stenciled with Monogram and Black yellow tin which he has definitely spent

which he has definitely spent some time doing

) The nicely constructed corners are joined by nails--three at each joint--with three nails as well down the center of the short sides meeting the center piece/handle

and a little bit of paint loss on a few of the green leaves

it's a special small rug for a special spot

Antique Wire Hinged Box Stenciled with Monogram and Black yellow tin which he has definitely spentTo my eye quite a beautiful antique primitive box, early 19th century or so, I presume, with wire hinges and original latch, which has clearly been latched many times as it has traced a a perfect arc on the lid following its trail. Both short ends are stencil painted "black" perhaps indicating it once held black tea? (I first though perhaps boot black, but the interior is clean, so think tea might make more sense, or something else entirely? With the