Box, Spit

Description

Steam-bent maple veneer side band and reinforcing rim with cut swallowtails secured by copper tacks. White pine bottom header held by round-headed copper tacks or nails. Bottom has 1/4" diameter hole in center for pivot when cutting bottom to shape. Pivot hole is now plugged with 1/4" diameter hardwood dowel. Probably clear-coated over raw wood.

Notes

Attributed to Daniel Crosman on the basis of the plugged hole in the center of the bottom, a characteristic construction technique employed by him. Probably one of the fifty spit boxes that, according to a journal, he made for the new Church Family dwelling in 1875-1876. The letter "M," when it appears on Shaker objects, is usually thought to indicate that the object was made for or used by the ministry, but if indeed this box was made for the dwelling, then the "M" more likely stands for the Meeting Room, where family worship meetings were held.