National Postal Museum collection. CMC 1991.37.1

These magnificent post office lock boxes, made of cast brass, probably date from the end of the nineteenth century. Each of the 101 doors displays a stylized beaver. This group of lock boxes is unique in the collection of the National Postal Museum.

The ICI ON ÉMET DES MANDATS DE POSTE (money orders issued here) inscription written in French inside the wicket opening suggests that the lock boxes may have been used in Quebec.

© Photographs by Claire Dufour.