An early New England cutlery tray in original paint decoration. 
Constructed of eastern white pine wood. Its body is delicate and light in proportion and thickness with canted sides, each joined with iron nail joining. The handle is pierced through the medial divider and. An applied pine wood base is nailed from underneath. 
The paint decoration is extremely enlivening in color showing an oyster white ground and features large swabs in bittersweet colored paint. Retains its originally implemented varnished finish. 
Survives in superlative condition, a feature rarely seen on knife trays of the period given their extensive use. Its finish is of fine quality and contains a mellow yellow tinted color of age with undisturbed qualities. 
Maine origin. Ca. 1820. 12"W.