This crate was submerged in the mud of the James River for years so it is well preserved. Of course there is some swelling of the wood but overall it is pretty solid and is held together by the original nails. There are numerous cracks throughout the piece but there is no loose wood and no major separations. The photographs of the crate will ably show the cracks and crevices that are too numerous to mention. The crate has been stabilized and treated to help hold it together.

Clearly visible on one side of the crate is “FROM FRANKFORD.” Both end pieces have wooden handles that run the length of the crate. The handles are still held in place by nails but there is some daylight between them and the box. One of the end pieces shows the most damage from being submerged. It appears that large amounts of wood glue or epoxy have been used on the lower section of this panel. This end panel has no wood loss and amazingly you can still make out part of the stenciling. It was marked “100 POUNDS CAST MUSKET BALLS.” Only the word “BALLS” can be made out clearly. The other words are there but only in bits and pieces. The opposite end piece is stenciled “ROUGH CAST.” This is light but readable. The lid is still held in place by the original screws and is solid.

This is really an interesting relic that no doubt “was there.” This Item is from the collection of author Dean Thomas.

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