Vintage 18" Handmade Maine State Prison Craftwork Wood Felt Box

For much of the 20th century, U.S. prisons ran inmate industries programs, where prisoners made wooden boxes, furniture, and novelties. The Maine State Prison (in Thomaston, operating from the 1820s until it was demolished in 2002) was especially known for its handmade wooden boxes, often sold to tourists as “prison-made” souvenirs. Inmates were trained in woodworking as a trade and their work was sold through prison shops or local outlets. It's stamped “MADE BY INMATE – MAINE STATE PRISON” on the bottom, back plus a paper label. It does have some imperfections (see pics # 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) In pic # 9 & 12 it shows that the box lid is not straight due to the hinges needing to be replaced. Also I would like to say that this box has a bit a gentle aroma of age and storage, (not mold) consistent with antique wooden boxes. The felt has white spots due to me cleaning with baking soda. It is an interesting piece of History that you don't see a lot of. Measurements in photos.