Three-dozen egg crate

December 21, 1954

This parcel post container was designed to hold thirty-six eggs for shipment. Constructed of aluminum, the crate contains two removable shelves, each holding eighteen egg separator compartments in three rows of six collars. The collars were formed by cardboard reinforced with metal rims. An open window in the lid displayed the address card, and to its right, the small, slotted indentation held a card for postage stamps. A metal rod that slid through hollow hinges fastened the lid to the crate marked “Fragile” and has been stamped “Special Delivery.” Farmers used such egg crates to mail their product by parcel post directly to consumers in cities.