A 19th c. spruce gum barrel in original black paint. 
Constructed from a solid body of maple wood and relief carved with faux barrel iron hoops. Its base is made from a disc of pine wood and is friction fit. 
Its paint surface is charming and rinch in texture. A light red stained primer sits below and decades of use has worn its black painted exterior high points away. Its wear suggest an upcycled use decades later, likely as a dice cup or match holder. 
Barrel shaped boxes such as these were produced during winter months with harvested spruce gum inside as its original intended purpose and sent home to family members and once opened, its original lid discarded. 
Remains in an overall good state of condition, free from cracks or chips. 
New England, Quebec, or Nova Scotia origin. Ca. 1860-1890. 4 7/8"T.