This beautiful and rare box was crafted by the Virginia Craftsmen of Harrisonburg, VA. It was commissioned in 1948 by the NAREB (National Association of Real Estate Boards). It originally contained a gavel and was presented to Real Estate Boards who celebrated Constitution Day on Sept. 17, 1948. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day became an official federal celebrated day in 1952.

 

The wood making up the box is walnut taken from both George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. The beautiful, engraved plate on the top was made using steel from the Battleship USS Missouri. It has an attractive blue velvet lined interior and weighs over two pounds. Some slight scratching on the plate and the bottom, Also has a very small old chip on a back corner. The sides of the box are dovetailed, a sign of superior craftsmanship. Even though there is no gavel, the box can be used to store any treasure if so desired.

 

This is one beautifully crafted, unique piece that contains so much history!