E F Caldwell Humidor
Vintage 1910s American Gothic Decorative Boxes
Bronze, Enamel
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Aluminum, Bronze
Early 20th Century American Renaissance Revival Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Metal
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Stone
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Mahogany
2010s British Games
Sycamore, Walnut
Early 20th Century American Louis XV Musical Instruments
Fruitwood, Rosewood
20th Century English Early Victorian Sterling Silver
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Armchairs
Velvet, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Panelling
Marble
Antique Late 19th Century German Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Bronze
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Wood, Ebony, Zebra Wood
Antique 1760s English George III Dining Room Chairs
Hardwood
Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Architectural Elements
Stone, Copper
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Copper, Gold
Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Musical Instruments
Wood, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century Belgian Gothic Revival Architectural Elements
Art Glass, Stained Glass
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Bronze
Finding the Right Boxes for You
From mere trinkets to useful receptacles that serve a distinct purpose, antique boxes as decorative objects have come in many forms over the years. No matter what they’re made of or where they end up in your home, decorative boxes add both style and storage to your space.
The decorative box that is likely most common is the jewelry box. These boxes were originally known as jewel caskets and were in common use in Ancient Egypt, as most Egyptians wore some sort of jewelry. A portable jewelry box, in its original intended use, was integral to keeping your jewelry safe and secure. This accessory has transformed in size, shape and appearance over the years. Initially it was common for a jewelry box to bear intricate ornamentation. Whether they’re mid-century modern works of marble and brass or feature playful Art Deco–style geometric decor, jewelry boxes boast real staying power.
Snuff boxes began to soar in popularity during the 17th century (and were commonplace in European homes by the mid-19th century). The boxes, some hand-painted with landscape scenes, some made from gold, porcelain or stone, contained a small amount of tobacco, which users would sniff, or “snuff,” throughout the day. Some particularly ornamental snuff boxes featured enameled designs or were set with precious gems and were given as gifts or party favors, particularly at the coronation of royalty or other lavish events.
Whether you’re organizing important mail in the foyer or tucking away medications in your bathroom, antique boxes — be they metal tea caddies, sterling-silver decorative boxes or Victorian cigar boxes made of oak (even if you don’t smoke) — are a sophisticated solution to help keep the surfaces in your home clutter-free. And no matter if you’re seeking a decorative box to beautify a desktop or bestow upon a loved one, you are sure to find something you love in the collection of antique and vintage boxes on 1stDibs.