Walnut Burl Box Silver Hinges
Antique 1850s English Victorian Decorative Boxes
Sterling Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Tea Caddies
Silver Plate
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Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
Mahogany
Antique 1820s British Regency Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Walnut, Cedar
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique 19th Century English Regency Tea Caddies
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Jewelry Boxes
Yew
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Tea Caddies
Yew
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Beech
Antique 1860s English Decorative Boxes
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century English Chippendale Tea Caddies
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Edwardian Tea Caddies
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies
Boxwood, Yew
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Faux Leather
Antique Late 18th Century British George III Tea Caddies
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Tea Caddies
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Decorative Boxes
Walnut
Antique 1830s English Victorian Decorative Boxes
Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
Antique 1830s English William IV Decorative Boxes
Brass, Silver Plate
Antique 19th Century English Decorative Boxes
Silver Plate
Antique 1820s English George III Barware
Brass
Antique 1860s English Victorian Tea Caddies
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Crystal Serveware
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique 1860s Scottish Victorian Tea Caddies
Brass
Vintage 1950s Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Irish Georgian Inkwells
Brass
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.
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