A keepsake box tucked away long ago filled with special memories of the child of which they belonged. Even though the name and history is forever lost, the little treasures still brings a smile. Found in the endearing box are a pair of children shoes, a lock of braided hair tied with string, and a number of Reward of Merit cards, one exceptionally pretty with two difference scenes on either side. Fringe border framing the card. Two of the cards are signed but illegible. The cards are about 1860s, perhaps a little earlier. There are 5 cards in the lot. Several are hand tinted. All in good condition.
The Civil War baby / toddler shoes are black leather, low cut tapering upward to the back of heel. The toe of the shoes are accented with an oval steel buckle trimmed with black leather bow. I liken the bow to a petal affect. Each "petal" pinked at the edge, then fitted in a flower shape under the buckle. Shoes are lined in a cloth fabric. Size of shoes: 4-1/4" long from toe to heel. 1-1/2" across the ball of foot. 1-1/2" tall at the center back, or they should be, as they are slightly crushed from being placed in the box. Box was not quite as tall as the shoes. Otherwise the condition is good, especially for the age.
The beautiful presentation box is white paper covered cardboard in a sheen, but no texture. A glass inset in the lid is surrounded by an embossed heavy gold paper. It is quite attractive. On the inside, a white paper doily border edges the glass. So reminisce of the Victorian Valentine. The paper doily border on the inside is in very nice condition. A little bend of a couple areas, but simply lovely for being paper. The box has thumb hold on either side for easy opening and closing. As you notice, one corner of the the box is broken. If you are a know-how, it can be repaired. A little soiling and a tiny paper loss. Otherwise the box is good. Size is 1-3/8" tall x 6" long x 5" wide.
This sweet memento came from a rural community in northwestern Ohio. So wish more history would be known.
