Six-dozen egg crate

c. 1916-1920

The hinged lid opens the metal container that holds ninety-six eggs in egg separators. Three layers of separators consist of twenty-four compartments each and are separated by sheets of cardboard. The compartments, made of cardboard, are reinforced on top with metal strips. 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 the silver painted crate marked “Fragile.” Farmers used such egg crates to mail their product by Parcel Post directly to consumers in cities.