Antique Wm. H. Horstmann Company steel lunch carrier or military transport box from Philadelphia.
The internet says this is probably a lunch carrier, but it may also be a military box of some sort. Apparently, The Horstmann company did produce products for the WW1 war effort.
Assuming it's a lunch carrier, here's the back story on that.
This early industrial lunch carrier dates to approximately 1900–1920 and features the original Horstmann Philadelphia badge on the lid. These boxes were used by factory workers, railroad workers, and tradesmen to carry stacked food tins or trays to the job site.
The interior still has the original tray support brackets (two on each side) which would have held removable metal trays or food containers. The trays are no longer present.
Constructed of tin-coated sheet steel with black japanned finish and a folding metal handle.
Length: 19 inches
Width: 8 inches
Height: 8 inches
Good antique condition for age.
Finish wear and scratches from use
Some surface oxidation/patina
Interior tray supports intact
Latch works
Original trays or inserts missing
Please review photos for full condition details.
Wm. H. Horstmann Company – Philadelphia
Horstmann was a major U.S. manufacturer of military equipment, uniforms, and metal goods from the 19th to early 20th century.
industrial decor
antique lunch box collectors
railroad or factory memorabilia
storage display
A nice large early industrial example.
Carefully packed and shipped via USPS, FedEx or UPS.
Estimated packed weight: 6–7 lbs