Black Painted Antique Tramp Art Wall Box vintage Black Forest animal carving or love letters

or love letters

with a little wear to the wooden lids and a couple of spots of wear to the white enamel of their interiors

I'm not sure if it was a kid or an artist who made it (it is signed S

I think this old palette is also quite beautiful

perhaps it was once part of something larger—I am not sure

Black Painted Antique Tramp Art Wall Box vintage Black Forest animal carving or love lettersThis old black painted tramp art wall box has a few dings, but it's super sweet and useful still for holding matches, keys, and other little odds and ends. I believe it likely dates to the very early 20th century, and is four layers deep on its sides and three on its back, with great spade like shape at center. There is a chip in the wood near the hole for hanging, but the piece is reinforced on the back (see photos) and hangs fine. Otherwise just