Three-dozen egg crate

c. 1913 - 1950s

This Parcel Post container is designed to hold thirty-six eggs for shipment. The metal crate contains two removable shelves, each holding eighteen separator compartments in three rows of six collars that are 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 slides through hollow hinges fastened the lid to crate’s body. After Parcel Post service started in 1913, farmers used egg crates such as this one to mail their product directly to consumers in cities.