Object Details
Description
Used for shipping a queen bee, this rectangular wooden container has three circular chambers covered in a wire mesh that hold the queen bee and a few accompanying workers bees, who feed her in transit. Two holes at the ends are sealed during transit, one with a cork and the other with a sugar-candy plug. When the cage is introduced to the hive, the bees work their way through the candy plug, and the queen is released.
Shipping of agricultural products blossomed as the result of the 1896 introduction of Rural Free Delivery service and the 1913 commencement of Parcel Post service. The mailing of live animals continues today and is well regulated in the interest of the health of the public and the animals.
Credit line
National Postal Museum collection
Date
c. 1990s
Object number
1991.0414.1
Type
Commercial Products
Medium
wood; metal; cork
Dimensions
Height x Width x Depth: 3/4 x 3 1/2 x 1 in. (1.91 x 8.89 x 2.54 cm)
Place
Maryland
See more items in
National Postal Museum Collection
On View
Currently on exhibit at the National Postal Museum
Data Source
National Postal Museum
Topic
Contemporary (1990-present)
Customers & Commerce
Link to Original Record
Record ID
npm_1991.0414.1