Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A vibrant red plastic and metal typewriter ribbon container featuring a brilliant gold foil label. This container originally held a 12-yard medium black nylon ribbon designed to fit iconic mid-century typewriters like Underwood, Royal, and Hermes.
Story
During the mid-20th century, Brooklyn's Eaton Allen Corp. fueled the bustling offices of America. This small container represents the physical ink that typed out countless love letters, business deals, and daily news stories.
Maker / Origin
The Eaton Allen Corp. was a prominent American office supply manufacturer based in Brooklyn, New York. They specialized in high-quality carbon paper, inked ribbons, and correction fluids, serving as a staple of the mid-century corporate landscape before the digital revolution.
Condition & Value
The container is in very good vintage condition. The red plastic housing shows minimal wear, and the gold foil top label remains bright and legible with only minor surface scuffs. The bottom label shows some expected age-related yellowing and light staining, which does not impact readability.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.