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Tortoiseshell Box 18th Century

Composition of red tortoiseshell gold piqué-work box, 18th century
Composition of red tortoiseshell gold piqué-work box, 18th century

Composition of red tortoiseshell gold piqué-work box, 18th century

Located in Paris, FR

Circular box in composition of red tortoiseshell powder called "Indian red".

Category

Antique 1750s French Louis XV Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold

Tortoiseshell Casket Box With Rippled Serpentine Sides
Tortoiseshell Casket Box With Rippled Serpentine Sides

Tortoiseshell Casket Box With Rippled Serpentine Sides

Located in Dallas, TX

Rare Dutch 18th century Tortoiseshell box with rippled serpentine sides embellished with silver mounts and mobility silver ball feet.

Category

Antique 1780s Dutch Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Dutch Colonial Indonesian Tortoiseshell Box with Gilded Brass mounts
Dutch Colonial Indonesian Tortoiseshell Box with Gilded Brass mounts

Dutch Colonial Indonesian Tortoiseshell Box with Gilded Brass mounts

Located in Lyndhurst, NJ

Of superb quality, this red tortoise shell box with beautifully executed gilded brass mounts was most likely originally made to hold Tea of Sirih. It is in very fine antique conditio...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Baroque Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass

Antique Flemish Dutch Antwerp Red Tortoiseshell Box Cabinet Chest On Stand
Antique Flemish Dutch Antwerp Red Tortoiseshell Box Cabinet Chest On Stand

Antique Flemish Dutch Antwerp Red Tortoiseshell Box Cabinet Chest On Stand

Located in Forney, TX

A rare and exceptional Baroque period Flemish or Dutch red tortoiseshell, bone, horn, ebony, and rosewood lift-top chest with drawer, circa 1725, mounted on a later stand. 17th/18...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Baroque Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Tortoise Shell, Rosewood, Horn, Wood, Ebony

Antique English Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy Georgian Period
Antique English Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy Georgian Period

Antique English Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy Georgian Period

Located in Northampton, GB

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Green tortoiseshell tea caddy dating to the Georgian period, circa 1790 during the reign of George III. The exterior is finished in vibrant green tortoisesh...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Tea Caddies

Materials

Shell

Recent Sales

18th Century Large Georgian Tortoiseshell Box.
18th Century Large Georgian Tortoiseshell Box.

18th Century Large Georgian Tortoiseshell Box.

Unavailable

H 7.5 in W 12 in D 10 in

18th Century Large Georgian Tortoiseshell Box.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Extremely large and rare blond tortoiseshell box with two tiers, including one drawer, interior relined, made in England Circa 1780. Originally, probably, a sewing box. Ball and cl...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Decorative Boxes

George III Period 18th Century Octagonal-Shaped Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
George III Period 18th Century Octagonal-Shaped Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

George III Period 18th Century Octagonal-Shaped Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Located in Bradford on Avon, GB

The octagonal shaped domed caddy top is inlaid with sterling silver stringing and has a scrolled silver handle. The tortoiseshell is inlaid with bone and the top opens to reveal the ...

Category

Antique 18th Century English Sheraton Tea Caddies

Rare Antique Red Tortoiseshell and Silver Oval Tea Caddy
Rare Antique Red Tortoiseshell and Silver Oval Tea Caddy

Rare Antique Red Tortoiseshell and Silver Oval Tea Caddy

Unavailable

H 4.75 in W 5.75 in D 3.75 in

Rare Antique Red Tortoiseshell and Silver Oval Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, United Kingdom

Very rare, striking red tortoiseshell and silver oval tea caddy with beautifully engraved solid silver edging, escutcheon and ring pull handle. The silver edge on the opening of the...

Category

Antique 18th Century British George II Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

Gilt Bronze and Tortoiseshell Chest, 18th Century
Gilt Bronze and Tortoiseshell Chest, 18th Century

Gilt Bronze and Tortoiseshell Chest, 18th Century

Sold

H 4.73 in W 7.88 in D 3.94 in

Gilt Bronze and Tortoiseshell Chest, 18th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Late 18th century chest Wood, gold bronze and hawksbill. Chest made at the end of the 18th century, with a wooden structure composed of a prismatic base and a vaulted cover, articu...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze, Other

Tortoiseshell gold inlaid snuff box
Tortoiseshell gold inlaid snuff box

Tortoiseshell gold inlaid snuff box

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H 1.75 in W 3.75 in D 2 in

Tortoiseshell gold inlaid snuff box

Located in San Francisco, CA

A fine English or Continental tortoiseshell gold inlaid snuff box depicting a neoclassical architectural scene. Circa 1800.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Boxes

Materials

Gold

Exceptional Late 18th Century English Tea Caddy in Tortoiseshell
Exceptional Late 18th Century English Tea Caddy in Tortoiseshell

Exceptional Late 18th Century English Tea Caddy in Tortoiseshell

Located in Milford, NH

An exceptional quality late 18th century English octagonal tea caddy in tortoise shell with a reverse painted allegorical lozenge on the front. Excellent overall condition, with some...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies

Materials

Tortoise Shell

18th Century Tortoiseshell, Silver, Brass & Pearl Inlay Snuff Boxes Set of Three
18th Century Tortoiseshell, Silver, Brass & Pearl Inlay Snuff Boxes Set of Three

18th Century Tortoiseshell, Silver, Brass & Pearl Inlay Snuff Boxes Set of Three

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A nice group of three, 18th century Georgian English black lacquered snuff boxes, decorated to resemble tortoise shell and with detailed decorations of silver, brass and mother-of-pe...

Category

Antique 18th Century English Georgian Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Silver, Brass

An extremely rare George III Tortoiseshell Pique Gaming Counter Box

An extremely rare George III Tortoiseshell Pique Gaming Counter Box

Located in London, GB

The velvet lined circular counter box has a pull off cover which is decorated with an outer band of silver star motifs and a central circular vacant cartouche. The box contains four ...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Boxes

A Charles II Tortoiseshell Pique Squeezie Spice Box made circa 1680

A Charles II Tortoiseshell Pique Squeezie Spice Box made circa 1680

Located in London, GB

This very rare box was made most probably in London circa 1680 and is oval in form with silver sides and mounts. The cover is inset with a slightly domed piece of tortoiseshell which...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Boxes

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Montesquieu Portrait Tortoiseshell Snuff Box
Montesquieu Portrait Tortoiseshell Snuff Box

Montesquieu Portrait Tortoiseshell Snuff Box

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H 0.88 in W 2.75 in D 2.75 in

Montesquieu Portrait Tortoiseshell Snuff Box

By Jacques Joseph de Gault

Located in New Orleans, LA

An exquisite miniature of French philosopher Charles Montesquieu graces the lid of this tortoiseshell-lined snuff box. The handsome portrait was fashioned by the renowned Jacques-Jos...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Gold, Enamel

South American tortoiseshell casket
South American tortoiseshell casket

South American tortoiseshell casket

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A tortoiseshell and bone mounted casket with silver handles and hinges

Category

Antique Early 18th Century South American Boxes

Flemish Silver Mounted Tortoiseshell Domed Top Casket

Flemish Silver Mounted Tortoiseshell Domed Top Casket

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A good example of a domed top red tortoiseshell casket, mounted with floral engraved silver.

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Belgian Decorative Boxes

Rare Georgian Red Tortoiseshell & Silver Tea Caddy
Rare Georgian Red Tortoiseshell & Silver Tea Caddy

Rare Georgian Red Tortoiseshell & Silver Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

Extremely Rare Single Piece Veneer Tea Caddy From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this extremely rare red Tortoiseshell & Silver Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of oval...

Category

Antique 18th Century British Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

George III English Red Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
George III English Red Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

George III English Red Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

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H 4.34 in W 4.73 in D 3.55 in

George III English Red Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Georgian Tea Caddy Circa 1780 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to introduce this unusual wooden mounted red tortoiseshell tea caddy. The tea c...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Tea Caddies

Materials

Shell, Wood

Regency Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Pagoda Top, circa 1820
Regency Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Pagoda Top, circa 1820

Regency Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Pagoda Top, circa 1820

Located in London, GB

An excellent and rare Regency Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy ENGLISH Circa 1820 The caddy measures 7" wide by 4" deep by 6" high Important information below. If you are ...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century German George III Tea Caddies

Materials

Fruitwood

Dutch tortoiseshell box
Dutch tortoiseshell box

Dutch tortoiseshell box

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H 4 in W 4 in D 5.25 in

Dutch tortoiseshell box

Located in Stamford, CT

Early 19th century Dutch tortoiseshell covered box

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Dutch Tableware

A rare George III Silver Mounted Tortoiseshell Tobacco Box
A rare George III Silver Mounted Tortoiseshell Tobacco Box

A rare George III Silver Mounted Tortoiseshell Tobacco Box

Located in London, GB

The Tobacco Box is oval in form and the silver sides are decorated with reeding. The hinged cover and base are inset with a beautifully shaded tortoise shell panel and the cover is s...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Tobacco Accessories

Silver Mounted Tortoiseshell Perfume Caddy, 18th Century
Silver Mounted Tortoiseshell Perfume Caddy, 18th Century

Silver Mounted Tortoiseshell Perfume Caddy, 18th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Perfume case. Silver, tortoiseshell, glass, textile. Century XVIII. Case with an elongated shape, wider towards the lid, made of tortoiseshell with a silver frame in its color that...

Category

Antique 18th Century European Rococo Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver, Other

Georgian Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Georgian Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Georgian Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Sold

H 6.1 in W 6.89 in D 3.74 in

Georgian Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

From our tea caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this charming dome-topped rectangular green tortoiseshell tea caddy. The tea caddy is finished in vibrant green tortoiseshell...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies

Materials

Tortoise Shell, Boxwood

18th Century Spanish Colonial Tortoiseshell Box Mexico
18th Century Spanish Colonial Tortoiseshell Box Mexico

18th Century Spanish Colonial Tortoiseshell Box Mexico

Located in Montecito, CA

Extremely fine and rare 18th Century Spanish Colonial tortoiseshell box from Mexico.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Mexican Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Swedish 18th Century Tortoiseshell and Brass Document Box
Swedish 18th Century Tortoiseshell and Brass Document Box

Swedish 18th Century Tortoiseshell and Brass Document Box

Located in Natchez, MS

Swedish 18th c. Tortoiseshell and brass document box with medallions on each corner and molded tortoiseshell on the top. It includes a note inside about ownership in Swedish.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Swedish Boxes

CONTINENTAL TORTOISESHELL BOX WITH MINIATURE PAINTING
CONTINENTAL TORTOISESHELL BOX WITH MINIATURE PAINTING

CONTINENTAL TORTOISESHELL BOX WITH MINIATURE PAINTING

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Tortoise shell box with miniature painting of a gentleman, Paris circa 1770.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Boxes

Materials

Tortoise Shell

An Indo-Portuguese Baroque Tortoiseshell Box
An Indo-Portuguese Baroque Tortoiseshell Box

An Indo-Portuguese Baroque Tortoiseshell Box

Located in New York, NY

The whole of amber and dark brown tortoiseshell with ivory banding, the rectangular stepped top centered by a ribbed spherical knob above ivory leaves, ribbons of horn, and a mother-...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Boxes

French Louis XV Silver Piqué Tortoiseshell Round Box
French Louis XV Silver Piqué Tortoiseshell Round Box

French Louis XV Silver Piqué Tortoiseshell Round Box

Located in Denver, CO

This round tortoisehell box with hinged lid features a Rococo engraved silver piqué posé design with flag bearing putti amongst symbols of war bordered by scrolls and shell motifs. T...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Boxes

Early Signed French Tortoiseshell and Ivory Round Portrait Box
Early Signed French Tortoiseshell and Ivory Round Portrait Box

Early Signed French Tortoiseshell and Ivory Round Portrait Box

Located in Denver, CO

Signed: Lafon. Beautifully fashioned with tortoise shell trim and lining, and a fine, brass bezel, this lovely box features a watercolor miniature portrait on ivory of an aristocrati...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Boxes

A Fine Vizagatapam Engraved Ivory and Tortoiseshell Dressing Box
A Fine Vizagatapam Engraved Ivory and Tortoiseshell Dressing Box

A Fine Vizagatapam Engraved Ivory and Tortoiseshell Dressing Box

Located in Long Island City, NY

From the Vizagatapam district in India famous for this type of ivory work during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Indian Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wood

A Rare Late 18th c. English Exotic Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
A Rare Late 18th c. English Exotic Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

A Rare Late 18th c. English Exotic Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Located in San Francisco, CA

A Rare Late 18th c. English Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with canted corners, its original lock and key, accented with bone stringing, a heart-shaped bone escutcheon, and featuring ...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Tea Caddies

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Tortoiseshell Box 18th Century For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the tortoiseshell box 18th century you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A tortoiseshell box 18th century — often made from bone, tortoise shell and metal — can elevate any home. Your living room may not be complete without a tortoiseshell box 18th century — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 18th Century. When you’re browsing for the right tortoiseshell box 18th century, those designed in Georgian, Neoclassical and Rococo styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one tortoiseshell box 18th century that is appealing in its simplicity, but Jacques Joseph de Gault produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Tortoiseshell Box 18th Century?

The average selling price for a tortoiseshell box 18th century at 1stDibs is $6,176, while they’re typically $650 on the low end and $61,250 for the highest priced.

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.