A fine historically important tramp art box by the colorful Gus Wynn. The box exhibits the unique characteristics of his signature style, having the sliding top and drawer. This example is Wynn's medium size. It has a little knob on the top flanked by two diamonds. It also has a name on the bottom, 'H. White & 25'. White might have been the owner, or it could be that he made it while in prison with Wynn. There are several forms and variations of the carvings among his items that would possibly lead one to suggest that there were other inmates making the tramp art boxes for him. '25' could mean the price of the box 25 cents, or it could mean something else. It appears to be an early example from the period when he first performed in his "Wynn Carnival." He performed for visitors to the Tennessee State Prison where he spent 30 years for murdering his brother-in-law in 1936. In the enclosed photograph Wynn is performing on a stage, and there are several of the tramp art boxes visible. He would open the sliding tops on the tramp art so the audience could deposit their mostly silver coins. At one time he was considered to be the richest man in the prison system. In great shape with no losses or repairs. Circa 1930s. Dimensions: 8" h x 9" w x 6" d

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