The Larkin Soap Company originated in 1875. They moved to direct, door-to-door sales in 1881. We believe that this soap box dates from that decade of rapid growth for the company, a manufacturing giant which became one of the most important manufacturers of soaps in the United States. Their headquarters building in Buffalo, New York was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This particularly box was clearly well cared for by the sales person who owned it. It was (for the most part) in beautiful condition when we acquired it. There were a few problems that needed to be fixed. We did our very best to remediate those problems while making as few changes to the appearance, personality, and historical character as possible -- by leaving the box in the condition that we found it to the extent that we could.. We masked a few egregious blemishes, gouges, and scratches. We re-attached a few loose boards and reinforced a few others. We also added feet to elevate the box above the floor. But, otherwise, we tried to keep the box as we found it. It is a wonderful artifact of America's commercial history. (It will also provide you with just a bit of storage, too.) The box measures 15 3/4 inches wide by 28 3/4 inches long. With the new feet, it is now 13 3/4 inches high. (We might suggest that you have a tempered glass top made for the box in order to protect the wood.)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Design Modified
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: This soap box is in excellent antique condition. It shows the signs of age and use, but it has clearly been well cared for. At some point the box was varnished, but we have no idea whether this was original or not. In any event, it has a beautiful patina. We have added feet to the box in order that it could be used as a table, and we have stained the feet as closely as possible to match the color of the box.

Origin:
United States

Creator:
Brand: Larkin & Co.

Materials & Techniques:
Wood

Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States
Table Shape: Rectangle

Original Design Modified; Some Imperfections; This soap box is in excellent antique condition. It shows the signs of age and use, but it has clearly been well cared for. At some point the box was varnished, but we have no idea whether this was original or not. In any event, it has a beautiful patina. We have added feet to the box in order that it could be used as a table, and we have stained the feet as closely as possible to match the color of the box.