When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
ANTIQUE EARLY 1900s WOODEN FOLDING EGG CRATE / FARM EGG CARRIER
Offered is an antique early-20th-century wooden folding egg crate/carrier with its original wooden construction, top carrying handle, metal hardware and multiple internal egg-divider trays.
This is a fantastic example of the type of farm and poultry egg transportation equipment used before modern cardboard and molded-plastic egg cartons became commonplace.
The design is particularly reminiscent of the historic “Humpty Dumpty” folding egg crates, which were made with wooden slats and internal protective dividers and could be collapsed for storage or return transportation. Historical examples were produced in several capacities, including crates holding multiple dozens of eggs.
ORIGINAL FARMHOUSE / POULTRY EQUIPMENT
The crate features:
* Heavy wooden slat construction
* Folding/collapsible-style construction
* Original wooden top/lid
* Wooden carrying handle
* Metal side rails/hardware
* Original metal pins/fasteners
* Multiple removable internal egg-divider trays
* Individual egg compartments
* Protective cardboard/fiber divider material
* Original aged wood finish
* Original period wear and markings
* Rustic primitive farmhouse appearance
The internal divider system is particularly interesting. The egg trays contain individual compartments designed to keep eggs separated during transportation and reduce breakage.
Historical wooden egg cases commonly used strawboard, honeycomb or other cushioning/divider materials between tiers.
ORIGINAL MARKINGS
There are several old original markings/stamps and handwritten marks visible on the wood, including what appears to be a “FRAGILE” shipping/handling marking.
These markings add considerable character and help document the crate’s previous working/shipping history.
I have intentionally not attempted to remove or aggressively clean these markings, as doing so could damage the original surface and diminish the antique character.
CONDITION
Antique used condition with substantial age, wear and original character.
This is an authentic old farm/utility item and is not new, reproduction or artificially distressed.
The crate exhibits:
* Darkened aged wood
* Surface scratches and scuffs
* Staining and discoloration
* Wear to edges and corners
* Old handwritten markings
* Faded shipping/handling markings
* Oxidation/patina to metal components
* Wear to the wooden handle
* Aging and discoloration of the cardboard/fiber egg dividers
* Dust and residue consistent with long-term storage/use
* Minor imperfections throughout
The internal divider material shows considerable age and wear, including discoloration and some deterioration/rough edges.
Please study all photographs carefully. They are an important part of the condition description and show the exact item you will receive.
HISTORICAL APPEAL
This is a particularly neat piece of early American farm and poultry history.
Before today’s disposable egg cartons, farms needed durable ways to gather, protect and transport eggs to local stores, markets and customers. Wooden egg cases with individual compartments provided protection while being transported over rough roads. The Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center notes that wooden egg cases and crates were an important part of early egg transportation, with some standardized cases designed to hold dozens of eggs.
DISPLAY / DECOR
Besides its historical agricultural use, this would make an excellent:
* Primitive farmhouse display
* Country kitchen décor piece
* Antique poultry collectible
* General store display
* Rustic cabin décor
* Farmhouse centerpiece
* Agricultural history collection
* Vintage egg-gathering display
* Photography/prop piece
* Primitive Americana collection
Actual eggs are not included.
