Clive Devenish Antiques Boxes

Fabulous looking fine quality and unusual large size 18th century George III table top yew wood sarcophagus shaped box. While it could have been a tea caddy; at 14" wide it seems ove...

Lovely British made Victorian (circa 1865) hard to find yew wood "dome top" compartmentalized writing box;. Tea caddies of this style are more prevalent, so writing boxes are especia...

Very rare and hard to find in this complete condition with as many pieces (over 35), this "Gentleman's Necessaire", or campaign "Dressing Table Box" is English and circa 1795 as per the style, and confirmed by the 18th century silver marks on items enclosed. Campaign furniture, and accessories were made to tend to the day to day needs of those traveling, most often for the upper class, the military, and those in high socioeconomic standing. A very similar Campaign box belonging to the Duke of Wellington and now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, appears on page 141 (illustration #157 of "British Campaign Furniture" published in 2001 by Nicholas A. Brawer; the leading recognized historian on the subject. The furniture and accessories were designed to be easily unpacked and packed back up again, condensed and compact for minimum storage, and still fulfill luxury "needs" for the well to do. The flush inserted brass handles on this box were designed to minimize protrusions for easier transport when traveling. The necessaire contains a plethora of instruments, utensils, storage bottles, boxes, to contain pills, medicine, potions, soap, shaving needs, snuff, beverages, spirits, tea, coffee, fragrance, incense, toothpaste, ink, and anything else necessary or wanted to maintain appearance and the "Beau Brummell" type lifestyle desired by the aristocratic gentleman. These items were housed in; screw top miniature bone canisters, fine cut glass crystal vessels with silver and silver plated tops, multiple miniature vertical wooden pocket drawers, a carved wooden lidded soap dish; all "fitted" in a beautiful brass bound and hinged mahogany box. The dressing box is neatly divided into various sections to store these implements. The center front bottom drawer is independently accessed and opened by a key lock and likely utilized for personal effects, jewelry, money, and letter writing, and diary entries.; note the fitted interior, design, "cubbies", and sections (see image). NOTE: It would be advisable to NOT use the key to lock this drawer just in case it stays locked and does not reverse, thereby creating difficulty reopening the drawer. The box maintains it's original surface and there are no restorations to any of the wood or brass mounts. A non discernible script monogram on a brass plate adorns the top (see image). Worth noting is the copious provenance accompanying this piece; the original description tag from the British antiques dealer; the "condfdential" letter by purchaser to recipient "Horace" reviewing the Dressing Box attributes and description; and finally, the Customs form for entry into the United States with Santa Barbara it's ultimate destination and a valuation of 3 pounds; less than ten dollars at that time---- 1950!!!!! (see images). Dimensions: 11" wide  x 8 3/4" deep  x 5 1/2" high Contents: implements in red bag sewing hook with shell handle second smaller sewing hook with built in swivel tool to bone handle large metal tweezers rectangular bone device with center hole small hook with bone handle silver plate corkscrew...

Resting on four paw feet and opening via two rear butterfly hinges, this attractive carved dome top box features on the top, an oval highly carved applique cartouche, monogrammed w...

Art Deco "naughty" sterling silver novelty item; a cigarette case depicting a reclining nude woman on a bed in suggestive pose; hand painted enamel on oval raised plaque; with bright...

Offered for sale is a risque Art Deco Sterling Silver Cigarette Case, often referred to as a "naughty" because of it's bawdy subject matter; that being; of ...

Offered is an Art Deco silver and hand painted enamel cigarette case; often referenced in "sin" and other tobacco collectible circles as a "naughty" themed accessory. While it could ...

From the same estate come two American, late 19th century matching Victorian celluloid boxes; typical of that era, they are highly decorated. The top of the jewelry box shows a pretty young lady; incorporating a floral motif with pink roses and a wreath like frame around the subject on a black background. Multiple cream colored stars complete the decor. The lady is very elegantly dressed with a powder blue...

Fine quality circa 1790 Georgian letter box, with three compartment fitted interior (see image). Exterior has original double brass hinged slope top with serpentine shaped front, and...

A pair of diminutive perfume bottles are contained in this "trunk designed" carrying case for travel. Something unique in the way of style and utility for the antique perfume bottle ...

Art Deco ladies traveling necessaire ensemble consisting of 13 implements for grooming, contained in a hard cardboard green branch decorated traveling case. The grooming implements a...

This Tunbridge box still bank is indigenous to the Tunbridge ware cottage industries of the town of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England in the 18th and 19th c...

This item is from a collection of "magic" props from a California estate, and was accumulated in New York City; home too many famous conjurors; Houdini, Hermann the Great, and Copper...

Nice mellow patina on this 18th century English mahogany tea caddy with three interior compartments. Two end sections have incised geometric carved lids. Tapered all around from top ...