| The very first cast iron mailboxes were used in | | | | One response has been to purchase letterboxes |
| Russia in the 19th century. Russia was the first | | | | that can withstand a hit, such as those made out |
| country to provide public post boxes and they | | | | of cast iron. Besides standing up to brute force, |
| started with letter boxes made of wood. | | | | cast iron wall mounted mailboxes can hinder theft. |
| However these were lightweight and frequently | | | | Many have letter slots and hinged lids that lock. |
| stolen. In response, Russia introduced the | | | | As long as the lock is as sturdy as the rest of |
| considerably heavier cast iron boxes that could | | | | the mailbox, personal correspondence and the |
| weigh up to 45 kilograms. | | | | information within is safe from mail theft. Others |
| The United States postal service began employing | | | | prefer it for its non-utilitarian features. They are |
| mailboxes during the late 1800s. They purchased | | | | usually black and generally more ornate than a |
| these mailboxes from the Danville Stove and | | | | typical mailbox, embossed with designs. In addition, |
| Manufacturing Company, which was also known | | | | it lasts for years. |
| as Beaver Stoves. During the turn of the century | | | | So, those looking for antique mail boxes as |
| and the early 1900s one could see post boxes | | | | authentic finishing touches to their period homes |
| with the Beaver logo around the country. | | | | should have no trouble finding the right wall |
| One of these antique mailboxes is still in use at | | | | mounted letterbox. However, if they have not |
| Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Wall mounted | | | | been properly cared for, these antique boxes will |
| letterboxes made of cast iron were also popular | | | | likely be rusty. To restore the mailbox first rub |
| for home use during the first half of the | | | | down all surfaces with steel wool to remove the |
| twentieth century. Today mailboxes are seeing a | | | | rust. Then wipe down the mailbox to remove any |
| resurgence in popularity, both for their sturdiness | | | | dirt or dust. Finally, dip a cloth in oil or unsalted fat |
| and their aesthetic qualities. Many neighborhoods | | | | and rub it into the mailbox. This last step prevents |
| have encountered repeated attacks on mailboxes | | | | rust and adds shine and will need to be repeated |
| from people driving by wielding baseball. | | | | periodically. |