United States Lines: Of all the unique items custom created just for use on the UNITED STATES, this is one of my favorites. It is a shiny stainless steel utility box from her First Class Galley. Nautiques founder Leon Jackson had the good sense to scoop several of these boxes up from the galley long after the 1984 auction crowd had left the ship, and this is the last I have left in stock. Its sturdy and tidy construction reflect the high quality of the ship. This particular box measures 9" square at its base and rises 13" tall at its back. A hinged cover opens to reveal two United States Lines "Wee Cal" sugar substitute packets stuck to the back. At least we know what it was used for in its later days! A steel worker really took his time constructing this box. The edges of the stainless steel are rolled over and the pieces are carefully fit together and appear to be attached with tiny rivets. All corners neatly fit together and the flush hinges work as well today as they did 56 years ago on the ship's maiden voyage. The only disconcerting feature is the rusty latch that some ham-fisted cook attached at a later date. There is also a sideways "T" pattern of small dents on the cover and a few small dents around the sides. It would have been much cheaper in 1952 to buy a stock galley container but USL and designer William Francis Gibbs instead filled the ship with wonderful custom made items such as this. The container is a testament to mid-century American industrial prowess and the amazing ship itself.