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 the typical pyramid build up but with the unusual use of side handles and a curved piece used as a draw pull. 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. 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 as he told stories of his hard life and his vow 'crime doesn't pay.' Ironically, at one time he was considered to be the richest man in the prison system. In great shape with no losses or repairs. I recently purchased this box from a collector who lived in Tennessee, and he had several of Wynn's tramp art boxes. no missing or repaired pieces. His tramp art boxes are featured in several books on tramp art. For a full bio of Gus Wynn see A Legacy in Tramp Art pages 23 - 27. Dimensions - 7.5" h x 8.5" w x 6" d

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