19th Century American Folk Art Painted Bentwood Box — Saratoga Style
A rare and characterful example of early American folk art, this painted bentwood box combines Shaker-influenced simplicity with the decorative charm associated with Saratoga-made pieces of the 19th century.
Short Intro / Hook
Handcrafted in 19th century America, this painted bentwood box showcases traditional folk art techniques, moss-green painted surfaces, and a stamped Saratoga lid — a quietly beautiful survivor of early American domestic life.
Key Features
-
Authentic 19th century American painted bentwood box
-
Folk art aesthetic with strong Shaker and Saratoga influences
-
Moss green exterior with hand-painted floral decoration
-
Decorative lid featuring blossom, nest, and egg motif
-
Original “Saratoga” stamped lid
-
Oval bentwood construction using traditional pegged methods
-
Retains original padded and fabric-lined interior remnants
-
Functional decorative storage with rich historical character
Full Description
This 19th century American folk art painted bentwood box is a rare decorative treasure with strong Shaker origins and unmistakable Saratoga heritage. Crafted in the early 1800s, the box is formed using traditional firkin-style bentwood construction, where thin strips of wood are carefully steamed, bent, and joined with pegs or nails to create a durable oval body and fitted lid.
The exterior is finished in a softly aged moss green paint, enriched with hand-painted floral folk art motifs decorating the sides. The lid displays a charming scene of blossoming branches sheltering a small nest and eggs — a motif often associated with themes of home, care, and domestic life. Though naturally faded with time, the painted decoration remains clearly legible and full of character.
A bentwood handle, pinned securely to the sides, allows the lid to be held firmly in place. Inside, the box retains remnants of its original padded lining and fabric-covered interior walls. While worn and partially shredded through generations of use, this interior detail offers valuable insight into its original purpose, possibly as a storage vessel for sugar or treasured household goods.
The underside of the lid bears the original “Saratoga” stamp, firmly linking this piece to Saratoga, New York — a region closely associated with Shaker communities and early American craft traditions across New England, including Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
Equally suited to a folk art collection, an early American interior, or as a decorative storage piece, this bentwood box embodies the quiet beauty, functionality, and honest craftsmanship of 19th century American life.
Dimensions
Height: 24 cm
Width: 26 cm
Depth: 26 cm
Overall height including handle (upright): 35 cm
Materials
-
Bentwood construction
-
Hand-painted wooden surfaces
-
Traditional pegged and pinned joints
-
Fabric and padded interior lining
Condition
As expected with an object of this age, the box shows clear signs of historic use and natural ageing. There is surface wear, paint fading, and marks consistent with long-term handling. The interior lining is worn and partially deteriorated. Overall condition is good and entirely commensurate with its age, contributing positively to its authenticity and visual appeal.
Origin / Period
-
United States of America
-
19th Century
-
Saratoga, New York influence
Styling Suggestions
Display on open shelving, within a folk art vignette, or atop a console table for subtle historic texture. It pairs beautifully with early American textiles, Shaker furniture, and antique wooden objects.
FAQ
Is the paint original?
Yes, the painted decoration is original and has naturally softened over time through age and use.
Is the box still usable for storage?
Yes, it remains structurally sound and suitable for light decorative storage.
What makes Saratoga boxes special?
Saratoga bentwood boxes are prized for their craftsmanship, stamped identification, and close association with early American and Shaker traditions.
Unique Points
-
Original Saratoga-stamped lid
-
Authentic 19th century American folk art
-
Hand-painted decoration with symbolic motifs
-
Retained original interior lining remnants
-
Highly collectible and increasingly rare
All your questions answered below...
Dedicated to delivering your order with care, reliability, and your satisfaction at heart.
Please note: the listed price is for the product only. Delivery costs are calculated at checkout.
Delivery Information:
- UK mainland delivery on average ranges from £10 to £45, some larger items can be £60.00. Everything is calculated based on item size.
- We’re based in Southsea, Portsmouth (PO5) and deliver nationwide.
- Free local delivery may be available depending on your location—please ask.
Delivery Coverage:
- We deliver to most areas and aim to offer the most efficient and cost-effective options.
- For addresses north of Newcastle, or in Wales, Scotland, Highlands, Ireland, or offshore islands, please contact us first to
confirm delivery availability and costs. - International shipping is available—contact us for a quote.
Delivery Method:
- Deliveries on average take approx. 5–10 working days, depending on location and order timing.
- We use trusted furniture carriers who specialise in antiques and delicate items for safe handling.
- Standard delivery is one-man, ground floor only. Assistance will be needed unless a two-man delivery is arranged at an extra cost.
Questions?
Contact us via phone +44 (0) 7973154860, text, WhatsApp or email with your full delivery postcode to confirm any additional charges.
We can ship to most places. We have the ability to to send consignments Internationally and they are all professionally wrapped, packed and or crated for a safe and successful journey.
There is going to be additional costs and lead times depending on various factors.
The best advice is to get a quote before you decide to purchase any item/s.
Listed in every product description are the dimensions for each product.
This information is provided so you can check if the piece you wish to buy will fit in your home.
Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Any questions please get in touch, here to help.
If you would like to speak to someone before placing an order, check dimensions or have a general question, please call Mark on 07973 154860.
You can email mark (@) campbellvintage.co.uk
Alternatively you can use the Live Chat on our website
(bottom left hand corner), message us via WhatsApp or via our
Instagram account.
Office Address: 71 Campbell Road, Southsea, PO5 1RJ. By appointment only to this address. Need to be booked in advance.
Always here to help.
Our products come with a guarantee stating they are as described when purchased.
As all our products are either antiques or vintage and have a life before we got them, we do not offer traditional warranties due to the nature of the items and history.
Please inspect the many images we provide online to be sure you want the item offered before purchasing.
The condition of each product is noted on all products in the main description. Please read this so you are clear on what you are buying.
If you have any questions however small beforehand and to give yourself peace of mind, please make contact. As we are very happy to discuss anything in greater detail.
One last thing! Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Here to help.
We hope you will be happy with your purchase. If for any reason you are unhappy, you may return the item/items to us within 14 days. Please notify us within 14 days.
You will need to arrange for the safe return of any item or items purchased. Please ensure the goods are returned in the same condition as sent to you.
You will be responsible for all return cost.
Once we have received your return, we will refund you the cost of the item/items, less any initial delivery and packaging costs, within 14 days.
Last of all, if returning an item, please advise us when we are likely to expect the item. We can then book this in and make sure we are available to except the item.
If you have any questions please contact us before ordering.
Here to help.
All direct payment gateways adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS as managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.