I have this mailbox that has been in my family for over 80 years.

You could stand it on end and use it as a planter or

maybe even a funky trash container, ? for junk mail.

how about a trash pail? My first instinct was a bird house, but I'm not so sure that is a good idea when the weather gets hot. Then there's the rustic bread box if it fits your decor, or a porch decoration...with a little paint and accessories it would be a pretty addition (you could even make it a fake bird house with little birds attached to it (fake, of course). Put it on a closet shelf to store seasonal tanks, shorts, bathing suits etc...

You could mount it on a post for a porch and plant flowers that would cascade out of it.

I would use it as a planter, or maybe you could fill it with seasonal decor.

Decorate it for Christmas and use it for the cards you receive. May have to paint it red but I believe they have mailbox covers that look Christmasy. You could put it on an end table or a book shelf during the holidays.

I would not use it in any way (planter, seasonal decor etc) that will increase the wear on it. I made a photo border for a mirror from pictures taken of my 2 grandchildren from the time they were little till h.s. You say you have taken a picture of each baby inside the mail box. Prepare the mail box in a way that will maintain its condition, then decoupage these pictures out side it. Place this in a convenient for viewing but otherwise protected area of your house. You have a very valuable heirloom there.

Paint with paint for metal, put on a post in your and use it for gardening tool storage

I love it the way it is. Just put it on a shelf or table and put some of the pictures you have of your children and grandchildren around it.

First of all, what a beautiful piece. I love the original look and definetly wouldn't paint it over. I'd have 2 uses for it: 1)use it in the lounge for the weekly magazines, if you have a fireplace maybe for all the tools needed, or 2) turn it so it stands upright and depending on your taste either have a piece of circular glass/ or wood placed on top as a coffee table. I'd go for the glass because then you could still see all its beauty. What a conversation piece. Good luck and please post your choice, process and end result.

Hi,

I would cover it with twigs and leave it in the garden for a hedgehog or bird to use as a home!

I would decorate and put back on a porch out of weather, mount on post and put in large metal milk jug with potted flowers around. You preserve a family heirloom, and it can still be seen for family pictures. JustMe ☺

You can turn it into a planter: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/repurposed-mailbox-planter-43311182