A very nice example of an 18th. century, three tier clay pipe drying box. Circa 1760-1800. The Pipe box, rack is thin cut Eastern White Pine. The surface is original, old grungy patina with traces of the original black paint. This particular example has a very nice scalloped back crest. The rack has three tiers that each have eight holed. This type of rack is more difficult to come by. The boxes were used to hold clay pipes while they were drying near the hearth. Early clay pipes were shared and once used the tips were broken off so they lost size on their stems and then used again. There dryers were usually made in tiers of different heights. Most of these boxes were used in taverns and inns. The box has a great shaped front and sides. Original condition, very early tee head nails. The surface is an old washed down patina with added varnish with traces of the original black throughout. There are some old burn or char marks on the edges of the holes where the hot pipes were stored and an old repair to the top of the hanging hole. The box measures 17″ across, 6 1/2″ deep and 13 1/2″ tall to the crest. You can find examples in “Furniture Treasury”, by Wallace Nutting. In the last photo I show the box used as a spoon rack, I have seen this type of box used for this purpose as well. Price: sold