Hol(e)y: c. 1870s Punch Paper "Lacework" Cross in Adirondack Frame American Crayon Company printed on the back surrounded

printed on the back surrounded by two leafy branches

with red and white name label reading "Ralph Whipple" sewn to one edge

appearing in deep contemplation as to the whether to  add one more touch to his George Washington

22 3/4" t x 10 7/8" w x 8 1/8" d

I'd guess this box dates to the mid 20th century or so

Hol(e)y: c. 1870s Punch Paper "Lacework" Cross in Adirondack Frame American Crayon Company printed on the back surroundedI've certainly bought and sold a good number of antique perforated punch paper embroideries, but this is the first piece of paper "lacework" I've had, which was created by very carefully cutting away from a large piece of perforated paper to form the shape of a cross and complex interior pattern including many dozens more (tiny) crosses. Rather miraculous, really! Most examples of these I've found seem to date to the 1870s, so I presume this one does