Replica Hermann Oak Leather Co. Shipping Crate

[chriscraft]

I found an old small wooden shipping crate last year at a local estate sale. It was only $10 so I purchased it. This wooden crate was very dirty and covered in water based latex paint. It cleaned up well but was a lot of effort. I was even able to remove the paint off the original metal tag. This old crate was from a local Milwaukee furniture builder, C. Niss & Sons, established 1867. Was used to ship furniture metal hinges that were being made in Chicago to Milwaukee. So this old wooden crate had some history that was covered in soot and paint. I was not able to save the cool black stenciling that was on the side panels. It scrubbed right off while removing the paint splatters.

Now that I have it cleaned up. I've been using it as a background prop to photograph my leather goods. I even made some custom leather hinges from Hermann Oak leather and wrapped the rope lift handles with same leather. Secured with wood screws that I will replace with small black carriage bolts. The wooden crate has been working beautifully as a prop but its just missing something.

Now I'd like to add a label to this old crate and what better logo to use than a Hermann Oak Leather Co. 1881 logo.

I'm thinking of placing a large classic HO logo on the top lid. Some small faded black lettering that will read, "Property of Hermann Oak Leather Co." on the sides.

This is a small wooden crate so I will also need to keep an eye open for a larger 6 foot long crate to match.

Edited March 25, 2015 by chriscraft

[chriscraft]

Still deciding which way to tackle this. I used my projector to see how this logo will layout on the top crate lid.