Two-dozen egg crate

after 1912

This Parcel Post crate was designed to hold twenty-four eggs for mailing. The crate is constructed of ferrous metal and holds twenty-four separator compartments. The compartments are arranged in a single layer of four rows of six collars formed by cardboard that is 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 the silver-painted crate marked "Fragile." Farmers used such egg crates to mail their product by Parcel Post directly to consumers in cities. This crate was made by Metal Products Company of Fredericksburg, Virginia, after 1912.