It is not documented in history the exact origin of the wooden crate. However wooden crates have been used for shipping items for many decades. Wooden crates are so versatile at protecting products especially when transportation was the main shipping route by sea many years ago. The wooden crate would protect from the sea water, the change in temperature, humidity and all other adverse weather conditions that one may experience whilst at sea.
There is not a lot of difference between a wooden crate and wooden box. To differentiate between the two we need to take a look at the structure. The wooden crate/box can be determined by how the edges and corners of the object are constructed. If the wood/plywood can be removed, and a framed structure remains standing, the object is termed a crate. If you remove the plywood/wood and there is no way of fastening plywood/wood around the edges of the container, the container is termed a wooden box.
Wooden crates would have been stamped with information before shipping. These details varied between crates, most of them would have the details of who was shipping the item, the brand name of the items enclosed, the region/country of origin/destination and various numerical shipping markings.
Crates made of wood are still used for shipping today. Although huge steel containers are widely used for bulk/bigger items, they do conduct heat and also are prone to rust. Therefore extra steps in protecting both goods and container need to be taken and this does add to the cost involved.
There is also a market for wooden crates today outside of the shipping industry. Collectors are keen for the shipping crates with details stamped of company names who sadly no longer trade or specific shipping routes taken. Wooden crates are a fantastic way of storage for household items and look very attractive. Companies also like the appeal of these crates for decoration to demonstrate an industrial look. Whatever the occasion it appears wooden crates will be around for many more decades to come.
We have a selection of vintage wooden crates in the shop. If you are in the Leicester area, please come and see us at:
Freemen’s Common Antiques Centre
8 Counting House Road
Freemen’s Common
Leicester
LE2 7LT
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 10am – 4pm