c. 1940s/1950s; Minnesota Power & Light Co. - Duluth, MN

Hand-painted metal promotional storage chest produced for Minnesota Power & Light Co., featuring bold commercial lettering and repeated Reddy Kilowatt mascot graphics across all sides. The olive green body is decorated with slogans including "Home Advisor," "Long Prairie, Minn.," "Modern Is All Electric," and "Be Modern Go All Electric," reflecting the aggressive mid-century push toward household electrification in rural America. The exterior is fitted with reinforced corner guards, leather side handles, front latches, and a central locking clasp, giving the piece the appearance of a salesman's sample trunk or utility company demonstration chest.

The chest retains multiple colorful Reddy Kilowatt graphics, including a larger circular decal reading "Plug In...I'm Reddy!" with the iconic lightning-bolt mascot promoting electric appliances as the "electric servant." Interior retains its original green-and-cream checked lining. Minnesota Power & Light Co., founded in the early 20th century and later known as Minnesota Power, played a major role in expanding electrical infrastructure throughout northern Minnesota during the rapid rural electrification era.

Shows moderate wear consistent with age and use including scratches, scuffs, paint loss, oxidation to hardware, edge wear, and scattered abrasions throughout. Decals and hand-painted graphics show areas of wear and loss. Interior lining shows light staining and scattered discoloration. Leather handles remain present.

31" W x 16" D x 13.5" H

MM - 20904 - 052026

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