A 19th c. pantry box in original dirty salmon paint. 
Constructed of white ash in an ovular format. The lid and bottom are made of pine wood and joined to its body with a series of great irregular cut iron nails. The lap joint is secured in an identical fashion of joinery and shaped with a curvilinear end and finished with a chamfered edge. 
The tight ovular format with sharply formed sides is pleasing. White ash was utilized for its flexibility and strength and prevented its sides from splitting due to age. 
The salmon colored paint color is not commonly found as a choice for pantry boxes. This specific shade according to "The painter, Gilder, and Varnisher’s Companion" by Henry C. Baird and published in 1850, states the hue as being defined as "Carnation", a mixture of Lake and white lead. The use of these specific pigmemts guaranteed excellent coverage and durability due to ash wood being a less porous wood than pine or maple. 
Remains in overall excellent as-descended condition with a fine, naturally acquired paint surface exhuding historical elements and paint oxidation from age.  
New England. Ca. 1840. 6 3/4"W x 2 3/4"T.