Patrick Gass’s Razor Box

NPS

This small, carved-wood box is believed to be a razor case of Patrick Gass. Descendants of the sergeant inherited it with the story that it had been created and given to him by Sacagawea in 1805.

Gass’s journal never mentions receiving such a gift from her, or from anyone else, but Expedition members did exchange gifts at festive times, such as Christmas. However, keep in mind that Gass was a notable carpenter and could have easily made this case for himself.

The provenance of the item states the box was passed down to Gass’s daughter, Rachel Gass Brierley, after his death in 1870. The item them went to Rachel’s grandson, Owen Buxton. The item today belongs to Buxton’s widow and daughter. They have provided the item on long-term loan to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment, Ilwaco, Washington.