Shaker Boxes

I’m seeing more and more Shaker boxes, the type with “fingers” on the side. They are being made by many craftsmen who sell reproduction “early American gift wares” and I am suspicious that some new ones are aged to fool buyers at antiques shows. The bottoms of the insides should have no color. The outsides of stained boxes should be faded. Many boxes have been re-stained. Old nails should be used. Shakers tried to make everything the best it could be, so reject any box that is misshaped or has raw edges. It is best to buy Shaker from dealers who specialize in Shaker pieces.