Sugar Sifting & Cutting Box, American, C. 1830-1850
In the early decades of the 19th C., refined sugar was not a granular staple as it is today, but was rather a scarcity which was refined and sold in the form of blocks. One would own a cutting box such as this to slowly chip away at a block of sugar, a method which led to efficient storage and a form of rationing of the sugar itself. When cut, the sugar would become more granular as it is today, and would sift into the lower drawer, ready for use. There is some veneer loss, but the overall piece is in great condition for its age and use.
Sugar Sifting & Cutting Box, American, C. 1830-1850
In the early decades of the 19th C., refined sugar was not a granular staple as it is today, but was rather a scarcity which was refined and sold in the form of blocks. One would own a cutting box such as this to slowly chip away at a block of sugar, a method which led to efficient storage and a form of rationing of the sugar itself. When cut, the sugar would become more granular as it is today, and would sift into the lower drawer, ready for use. There is some veneer loss, but the overall piece is in great condition for its age and use.
