Antique 1920s CAL PACK ORO Brand Northern Pears Wood Fruit Crate For Sale

This original antique California fruit-shipping crate featuring the historic CAL PACK and ORO BRAND markings of the California Packing Corporation.

The crate is marked:

CAL PACK FRUITS

FROM THE LAND OF SUNSHINE

GROWN AND PACKED IN CALIFORNIA U.S.A.

One panel is prominently marked:

ORO BRAND

EXTRA FANCY

NORTHERN PEARS

The crate also identifies CALIFORNIA PACKING CORPORATION and MAIN OFFICE – SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.

California Packing Corporation was a major California food-packing company. Original Oro Brand pear labels associated with California Packing Corporation are documented from the 1920s, making a circa 1920s date a reasonable attribution for this crate, although an exact production year cannot be established from the crate itself.

The crate measures approximately:

• Length: 15 1/2 inches

• Width: 9 7/8 inches

• Height: 7 5/8 inches

Weight: 3 lbs. 2 oz.

This is an original old commercial produce crate, rather than a modern decorative reproduction. It retains its original printed graphics and the naturally aged appearance of an actual working fruit crate.

CONDITION

The crate has substantial age-related wear consistent with decades of use and storage. There are areas of faded and worn printing, scratches, scuffs, discoloration, dirt/age patina, and general wear to the wood. The original graphics remain quite legible in areas but are not pristine.

Please examine all photographs carefully. The photographs are considered an important part of the condition description and show the actual crate you will receive. There are hand written letters in a black colored crayon on some panels.

No attempt has been made to refinish, repaint, or artificially distress the crate. It is being offered in its existing vintage condition.

A very interesting piece of California agricultural history, vintage food advertising, fruit-packing history, Americana, and rustic industrial décor.