Syroco Wood Box Value Guide

The Syroco Wood box is a quintessential mid-century collectible crafted by the Syracuse Ornamental Company using a signature blend of wood flour and resins. These decorative caskets are prized for their ability to mimic intricate hand-carved details, such as fluted sides and acorn finials, through a specialized molding process.

What affects the value of Syroco Wood Box?

• The preservation of the original gold gilt finish, as flaking or repainting significantly reduces market value.
• The structural integrity of the composite material, specifically looking for chips in the delicate fluted edges or finial.
• Presence of the original manufacturer's foil label, which can command the higher end of the $50-$55 price range.
• The cleanliness of the interior, as these boxes were often used for jewelry or trinkets and can suffer from staining.

How to Identify Syroco Wood Box?

• Look for the characteristic 'Syroco Wood' or 'Syracuse Ornamental Co.' stamped mark or foil label on the underside.
• Examine the material for a dense, composite texture that feels heavier than standard wood but lacks a natural grain.
• Identify the specific mid-century aesthetic featuring a gold gilt finish and a distinct pinecone or acorn-shaped lid finial.
• Check for the 'Made in USA' designation which was standard for these Syracuse-produced decorative items.

History of Syroco Wood Box

Syroco was founded in 1890 as the Syracuse Ornamental Company. Originally known for carving wood for homes and local buildings, they developed a process of mixing wood flour and resins to create a moldable composite that looked like hand-carved wood. This material allowed the company to produce intricate, high-quality decorative items for the mass market during the mid-20th century.