antique vintage ballot box, large metal document box w/ old brass yale lock

Uncommonly large metal document box formerly used as a ballot box for polling. This might be as old as the 1880s, or as new as the early 1940s. These metal boxes were very popular for a couple of generations!

This was secured with a brass Yale lock, luckily it hasn't been locked, as we have no key for this piece.

The handle was removed from the top to make an opening, but the handle was kept with the box and it would be a fairly simple task to replace it.

The box measures 18" x 13" x 9" tall, and shows some finish wear and scratching inside and out.