I saw this piece and was attracted to the tole painted flowers, the copper colored background and the fun scalloped edges, but I am not sure what the original intended use of the piece. This is a vintage metal "Beautilities" Match Holder/Craft Storage/Holder.

This item was originally made in USA by G.S.N. Company in K.C. Missouri with the brand name Beautilities. The original sticker with this information is on the back. This box was hand painted with a very pretty tole style yellow flower design on the front and two smaller flowers on each side. The piece also has the "signature" scalloped metal top and bottom edge of many of this brand's pieces from the 1950s. It is constructed to sit on a shelf or be hung from one of the top holes.

I show it with a match box inside, but it is much longer than most match box holders of the same time frame. I am not sure what else would have been the right size for this design, however. Today, I think it would be wonderful for the sewing or craft room to contain small fabrics or notions. Or, how about in the utility room for plastic bag or doggie bag storage. That would be so cute, and functional!

The pieces is in nice shape. The tole painting is in excellent, vintage condition. There are some scrapes in the copper paint, especially along the top scalloped edge and the edges and corners of the box.

Just a fun, unique piece of MCM design!

Dimensions:

11 3/4" tall x 4 1/2" wide x 2 5/8" deep