Unused "WORLDS FAIR" Brand Toothpicks & Box Named for 1893 Columbian Exposition

Description

One Fancy Original Unopened GILT Box of "Worlds Fair" Trade Marked Toothpicks
Patented in
1891
-
3 wide x 2.25 x 1.25 thick inches stiff buff
cardboard box
with
blue and turquoise print
and
gilt borders top and sides
(top and front shown). Portland, ME:
Forster
, after 1912. This box still has its
original unopened cellophane wrap
in tattered condition (shown). The factory was located in
Strong, Maine,
for decades (shown). The
box is full
of approximately 250 new "
Improved
" toothpicks pointed at both ends.
Forster's popular "Worlds Fair" brand toothpicks
OWNED the toothpick market for over 50 years. A great conversation piece!
-
Supplemental History: Charles Forster
took the hand production of toothpicks to the next level by modifying
automated shoe peg machinery
to make toothpicks rapidly and in large quantities in
Strong, Maine
(8 images shown from a 500 pick large box version previously sold). He perfected the operation with a new 1891 patented
white birch round toothpick
and named
his brand "World's Fair"
as an
honorific catch phrase
for the upcoming 1893 WCE (large box bottom shown).  I could
not find a listing for Forster
in "The Official Directory" or the Official Catalog" of WCE exhibitors. Since cellophane wrap was not invented until 1912, this box was made after that date. Easily the longest lasting tribute to the WCE I've found. I bought this box at a Maine flea market decades ago!
- Condition:
Excellent
: Vivid turquoise color and the ornate gilt accent borders perfect (shown).  No bends, edge wear, tears, or marks (shown). Cellophane tattered but it still encloses the box (shown). Light stain on bottom of box (shown). Top flap with seal will be fine (example shown from large "Patent" box previously sold).
**Buyer
pays
.55 First Class Package shipping in a stiff box with tracking number.