Should I open it?

I found this little package of surgical gauze yesterday at our local antique store. I love to use gauze and cheesecloth in my art. I figured this is probably aged to perfection by now and it came with the brown wax wrapping and a pretty little box with a tear string.  I could use those too!

I was curious about the manufacturer though and the date this might have been produced.  So, I did some research.  Seabury and Johnson was the company Robert Johnson  founded in 1873 with his partner George Seabury before Robert and his brother formed Johnson and Johnson.  They started mass producing antiseptic gauze in 1876 or so. Seabury and Johnson's partnership ended in 1885 after many disagreements over how to run the business. Johnson agreed to not start a competing business for ten years in return for monthly compensation. When Seabury got behind on the payments in 1886, Johnson and Johnson was formed.

So, do I open my cute little package of late 1800's gauze and use it in my artwork OR is this cute little box and wrapping best preserved as is?  I just can't decide. What do you think? I'd love to hear your comments. I found some other great things while treasure hunting Saturday. I can't wait to share more.

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