Bandboxes
Bandboxes are said to have originated with Oliver Cromwell in the 16th century. At the time he was unpopularly fashion forward; he refused to wear the huge lace or starched ruffs then common in courtly clothing, preferring instead to wear a conservative “band” about his neck. These despised items he stored in a “band box.”
However, this tale is likely a legend only, as a mention exists of a woman’s bandbox as early as 1636 AD.
Bandboxes were inexpensive items of convenience, and could be either home manufactured or purchased on the streets (in London, at least) from street criers. (See “Itinerant Traders of London, 1804”.)
Before the era of paper bags, Mme. _________ in Paris, a milliner, had a trademark reputation for sending home customers with their merchandise in bandboxes. Note that she did not sell the bandboxes; they were for packaging only.
Construction of a Bandbox
1.
The top, slightly smaller bottom, and bands for each are cut from pulpboard and holes for assembly made around the perimeters of all.
2.
The bands are stitched to the respective bases; the longer band to the top, the shorter band to the bottom.
3.
The exterior is covered with paper or fabric glued in place. In the eighteenth century this would typically be a plain color, but may have been ornamented.
4.
The interior is similarly covered.
Available coverings
Normally the bandboxes I sell are covered outside with documented 18th century reproduction wallpaper. This is not the most representative of the century, but it is what attracts people today. If your desire is to have a truly representative example, you may request a plain colored one.
Inside the boxes are lined with facsimile 18thc. printed matter. This is normally newspaper, but sometimes pages of a book.
Ashford late 18thc. Thomas Strahan 115th Anniversary Collection; gold medallions on cream ground
Brewster Floral ca. 1800 Waterhouse Wallhangings; slate block print on cream ground
Cape Cod Floral ca. 1770-1790 Waterhouse Wallhangings; charcoal on pale mustard
Darwin ca. 1760 Little Greene; original colorway "Serein"
Dynasty 18thc. Tomas Strahan 115th Anniversary Collection; Chinoiserie floral on black ground
Groton 1780-1790 Thomas Strahan 115th Anniversary Collection; gold on chocolate ground
Capt. John Kendrick House 1760-1780 Waterhouse Wallhangings; black and white on ochre ground
Kensington Gardens 18thc. Waterhouse Wallhangings; multicolored
General Samuel McClellan 1770-1790 Waterhouse Wallhangings; madder red
Toile de Normandie ca.1770-1790 Thomas Strahan 115th Anniversary Collection; red on ivory ground
Whitehall c.1740 Little Greene Paint and Paper; "Prussian" original colorway
Undocumented 18thc. type print in ochre/gold on ivory
Undocumented 18thc. type print; black and white on slate ground
Stock Sizes
Images of all of these appear in the header to this page.
These are the boxes you will see at selected retail locations, and when you see me at events.
Custom Boxes
Band boxes may be requested in custom sizes, shapes, or papers, with the corresponding increase in price based on additional labor and materials required.
Large hat boxes
Triangular hat box 18” round, available in two depths Extra large oval bonnet box (sometimes the best fit for certain tricorn hats)Medium hat boxes (15” diameter)
Cap Box (13” diameter)
Long oval (mitt/stock ) box 14.5”x4.75”x3.75”
Large oval 8.75”x6.25”x3.75”
Small oval 6.375”x4.75”x3.25”