Antique Boxes
Antique boxes are among the most collectible and affordable areas of the antiques market. Our dealers offer tea caddies, writing slopes, jewellery caskets, work boxes, knife boxes and decorative trinket boxes from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries.
Crafted in mahogany, rosewood, walnut, tortoiseshell, papier-mâché and coromandel, these are small objects with enormous charm. They make ideal gifts and are perfect for adding a layer of interest to a room.
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Antique Victorian Rosewood & Mother-Of-Pearl Jewellery/Sewing Box
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A Very Large Regency Sarcophagus Wine Cooler
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Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Rosewood Jewellery And Vanity Box
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Oak Stationery Box
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Antique 19th Century Quality Chinese Famille Rose Canton Lidded Pen Box
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Fine Quality Antique George III Figured Mahogany Writing Box
Antique Georgian Satinwood Tea Caddy Box with Original Glass Bowl and Mixing Stick
Victorian Bird's-eye Maple Jewellery Box With Tray
William IV Sarcophagus Jewellery Box In Rosewood
Chinese Hand Carved Red Cinnabar Lidded Box
Superb 18th Century Mahogany Wine Cooler
Antique Georgian Mahogany Writing Slope Box with Fitted Interior & Secret Compartment
Fine Regency Mahogany Wine Cooler
A Regency Rosewood Sewing Box
Antique Victorian Quality Figured Walnut Sewing Box
Fine Antique Regency Inlaid Brass Rosewood Tea Caddy
Antique Quality Regency Figured Mahogany Tea Caddy
Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Inlaid Coromandel Wood Writing Box
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Tea Caddy
Antique Regency Mahogany & Rosewood Brass Inlaid Campaign Writing Slope Box
17th Century Oak Box
17th Century Olive Wood Lace Box
17th Century Oak Box
17th Century Dated Oak Box
17th Century Oak Chip Carved Box
17th Century Welsh Oak Chip Carved Box
The Appeal of Antique Boxes
Few areas of collecting offer such variety and accessibility as antique boxes. A Georgian mahogany tea caddy with brass fittings, a Victorian coromandel writing slope, or an Edwardian leather jewellery case can be picked up for modest sums and gives genuine pleasure every day.
Tea caddies are among the most widely collected. Early examples from the 18th century, when tea was an expensive commodity, were made to high standards with locks and interior compartments. Single and double-compartment caddies in fruitwood, mahogany and tortoiseshell are particularly desirable. Look for original linings and intact locks.
What to Look For
Condition is important with small items. Check hinges, locks and interior fittings carefully. Veneer lifting or missing pieces of inlay reduce value but can often be repaired by a skilled restorer. Writing slopes should open smoothly and sit at a comfortable angle. Many retain their original inkwells and pen trays, which adds to their appeal.
Tunbridge ware boxes, with their distinctive geometric mosaic patterns, are a collecting field in their own right. These were produced in the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells area of Kent from the 17th century onwards and range from simple pin cushions to elaborate workboxes.
Displaying and Caring for Antique Boxes
Group boxes of different sizes and materials together on a table or shelf for maximum visual impact. Avoid placing boxes in direct sunlight, which can bleach veneers and dry out leather. Interior compartments lined with velvet or silk should be left as found; re-lining diminishes the antique character of the piece.