Antique G.B. Lewis Shipping Crates
Once used to ship bread and pastries to troops during WW1, these G.B. Lewis Shipping Crates are wonderful pieces of history that have stood the test of time. Fill them with blankets, pillows, toys, books, shoes by the door, or just about anything you want to corral to keep your home organized!
Extremely well-constructed and sturdy, the G.B. Lewis Co. crates received three medals for durability after the war when after many were hit by shrapnel (and survived!) in the Argonne Forest. All four corners of the crates are steel wrapped and nailed in place. The bottom slats are supported by cross pieces mortised in. Layers of wire wind around the slats for structural support.
The G.B. Lewis Company was founded in Watertown, WI, in 1863 and was known as the world’s largest manufacturer of bee hives and other wooden supplies for beekeepers. In 1885, the company perfected a design for a sturdy wooden box made of thin slats of wood that was light-weight and inexpensive to manufacture. It became a very popular item for transporting fragile, yet light items, such as bread. By the mid-twentieth century, G.B. Lewis was manufacturing Beeware, slat containers, golf supplies and other miscellaneous wood products. Between the mid-1950s and the present time, G.B. Lewis branched out into manufacturing plastic goods for industrial use, which has totally overtaken the company and during the 1970s G.B. Lewis became part of the Menasha Corporation.
This listing is for one (1) wooden crate
Crates date to 1915 and were found in New York
Original lids are not present (as found)
Canvas handles are on either end of each of the crates
Minor scratches, cracks, and wear consistent with age and use
Each crate measures approximately 26” L x 18” W x 12.5” H
Please select the number corresponding to the wooden crate to purchase below
Wooden Crate ONE: SOLD OUT
Wooden Crate TWO: SOLD OUT
Available for pick up, local delivery, and nationwide shipping.
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