19th C Dovetailed Writing Box with Fine Scherenschnitte Decorated Lid metal toy These old American Red Cross

These old American Red Cross First-Aid books are pretty great - and pretty handy

It would once have had a little flip down cigarette rest inside

Otherwise the wood

and once could easily divide into teams and make it a timed contest

19th C Dovetailed Writing Box with Fine Scherenschnitte Decorated Lid metal toy These old American Red CrossI found this special box in Great Barrington, Ma, and think the wonderful Scherenschnitte cut paper decoupage on the lid is either New England or Pennsylvania in origin, and likely dates to the mid 19th century. There may be some loss but not a lot; among the finely cut images are swans swimming and a variety of other birds, including an eagle with spread wings holding either a snake or banner in its beak. At the center, surrounded by figures with