Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a classic mid-century cardboard hat box from the legendary Pacific Northwest department store, Meier & Frank. Featuring a textured faux-alligator or reptile skin paper finish in off-white, it is accented by a bold forest green band and the store's elegant script logo on the lid.
Story
Founded in Portland in 1857, Meier & Frank grew into a legendary retail empire. This box dates to after 1955, when they opened their landmark Salem store, capturing a time when shopping was a grand, dressed-up event.
Maker / Origin
Meier & Frank was a premier department store chain in Oregon, famous for its massive, block-wide flagship store in downtown Portland which even featured a pet store and a Friday surprise sale tradition. It was eventually acquired by May Department Stores and later rebranded as Macy's, but it remains an iconic name in Pacific Northwest history.
Condition & Value
The box appears to be in very good vintage condition. There is minor scuffing, light edge wear, and typical aging to the paper surface, but the structure remains sturdy, the graphics are bright, and the original carrying cord is intact. Excellent preservation for a cardboard item.
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.