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This is an extraordinary opportunity to own an untouched, multi-generational American heirloom. This mid-19th-century paint-decorated Pennsylvania Dutch German document and keepsake box features a remarkable 170 years of history—from pre-Civil War Lancaster County to the private estate of a Major League Baseball legend.✨ THE CELEBRITY PROVENANCE This exact box was purchased directly from the September 2026 Georgia estate sale of the late Bruce and Jamye Leigh Sutter (née Shank). Bruce Sutter being a National Baseball Hall of Fame legendary relief pitcher (Cy Young winner, World Series Champion, and St. Louis Cardinals / Atlanta Braves icon). Both Bruce and Jamye were born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.THE HISTORICAL NOTE- Pasted securely inside the lid is an original, intact presentation note written in elegant 19th-century Spencerian cursive script. It reads:“Mrs. Anjuline Smith, Please accept this token of Friendship, from your cousin, Susan A. Christ, Lancaster”
Genealogical records firmly anchor this piece to Anjuline Smith (born Anjuline Christ, 1819–1898) and her aunt/relative Susan Christ of Lancaster, PA. Adding to its incredible charm as a family time capsule.-ATTRIBUTES & CONDITION
-Size: 7in wide by 3.5in tall by 5.5 inches deep
-Era: Circa 1850 – 1870
-Exterior: Beautifully weathered, original dark grain-painted background adorned with hand-painted multi-color folk art floral clusters on both the lid and front panel. Displays gorgeous, honest \"alligatoring\" to the varnish and historical wear.
-Hardware (100% Original): Features an entirely intact, flush-mounted brass box mortise lock and matching lid catch, along with the original brass butt-hinges. Incredibly, all hardware remains secured by its original, early hand-cut single-slot iron screws (no modern repairs or replacements).
-Interior: Lined with its original green-tinted paste paper/wallpaper showing natural age-related foxing and distress. Faint handwritten pencil accounting notations are visible on the upper left underside of the lid. Unfortunately, like many boxes this age, there is no key for the lock, although it still opens and closes.** Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description. This item will be packed and shipped carefully. There are no returns on vintage and antique items.
