Four-dozen egg crate

c. 1913 - 1950s

This Parcel Post crate is designed to hold forty-eight eggs for shipment. The crate is constructed of ferrous metal and contains two removable cardboard shelves, each holding twenty-four separator compartments. The compartments are arranged in 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.