An American Masterfully Carved Gentleman’s Box, attributed to John Bellamy, circa 1880. Meticulously carved on the top and four sides with the same degree of excellence. The top trim with a smallest of scale carving of floral vines contrasting a dramatic ¼ in. bas-relief leaf and berry vines encompassing a central carving of the U.S. Army motif of a spread wing eagle behind a shield grasping arrows and laurel (War and Peace) and an “E. PLURIBUS UNUN” (sic) banner. The airtight rectangular box exposes 3 compartment exterior with a carved interior cover with an intricate walnut leaf and fruit bas-relief carving surrounding a stylized heart with initials “A.E.S.” All carvings inside and out on a profusely stippled ground.
Height 3 ⅜ in. Width 12 in. Depth 7 ⅞ in.