4"H x 8.25"W x 5.25"D.

Canadian. 1850s. Poplar. Rare, early ballot box. With two compartments, one open and the other with slide lid with hole for placing black or white ceramic marbles used for voting. The use of balls, corn, beans and shells and stones to cast a vote has been practised for centuries. The word ballot comes from the Italian word, "ballota" meaning "a little ball" for voting. In America during the last century secret societies used black and white balls to vote. White has always meant yes and black has always meant "no", hence the term "blackballed" for one being defeated or rejected".

Excellent condition, including the blue paint.

Poplar.