19th Century Decorative Boxes

Antique French pink enameled ormolu box, circa 1860-1870 FBX024.

Signed by maker on lock. Paris, France. Bronze/brass mounted.

Salesman size chest with lifting top concealing a compartment. Three working drawers below. Bracket feet.

French burl walnut and inlay jewelry box, 19th century. Decorative inlay with a bird and flowers design.

A nice early French green leather glove box with brass ormolu on four decorative brass feet, with a beautiful pink silk interior. This is from a pr...

19th century Chinese cloisonné enamel brass trinket box.

19th century birdseye maple box with brass nail head decoration and iron lock plate and hasp. This box is hand crafted with beautiful dovetail joints visible on the corners, evidence...

Heading : Painted whitewood box Date : 1800-1830 Period : Regency Origin : Probably Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells, Kent Decoration : Rectangular whitewood box with painted basket of f...

The creamy and smooth exterior of this 19th Century Opaline Box harmonizes beautifully with its streamlined Dore Bronze mount and clasp. All elements, including its oval shape, contr...

PRESENTING A LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Inlaid Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India, circa 1880. The box is made of sandalwood with highly carved raised teak wood panels on all sides, depicting temple scenes, animals and foliage. The box is in a sarcophagus form. It is edged in bone (and we can tell it is bone and not ivory, from the color and evidence of capillaries, which are not found in ivory), and banded with Bombay Sadeli mosaic and ebony veneer. The lid opens to reveal a removable tray with various open compartments and lidded compartments. 5 lidded compartments, 1 unlidded compartment and 8 holders for thimbles, etc The tray lifts to reveal a blue velvet (original) lined section, for storing jewelry etc, with sections for collars etc. The inside of the lid has a removable mirror (the mirror is missing on this one but can easily be replaced). Behind the mirror is the original green velvet lining. It has its original brass carry handles on the sides and sits on 4 silvered button feet (of recent origin). Some repairs to the exterior and condition issues (priced accordingly), but still a LOVELY COLLECTIBLE box! These boxes were made by superb Indian craftsmen, specifically for sale to the ruling British elite. These types of boxes, carved padouk and sandalwood, (whilst beautiful and superbly crafted) were of a lesser quality, than the more profusely and intricately mosaic inlay, tortoiseshell and ivory boxes, made for the British ‘Upper Classes’ in the areas of Bombay and Vizagapatam. These type of boxes were much more affordable back in 1880 (and indeed today) and would probably have been bought by mid-level diplomats, civil servants or visitors. Sewing boxes (in general), were in EVERY Victorian home in Britain in the 19th century and like other boxes etc were ‘status symbols’ of your place in society! The more ornate the box, the more ‘Upper Class’ you were! SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials. Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and Horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color. The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, Horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched. The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design. On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent. The earliest Sadeli boxes...

Beautiful ovoid-shaped covered vase in patinated bronze with golden highlights, with rich rotating decoration in relief. The lid, symbolizing Night, is decorated with a turtle, a moon, a dragon flying among the clouds ; and the belly, symbolizing the Day, is decorated with a rising sun, mountainous landscapes, and cherry tree branches. The whole, topped with a flamed seed, is supported by three African-type atlantes dressed in a loincloth. Historical and artistic context This work of art combines elements of Japonism and Orientalism, two important movements representative of the taste of the time for exoticism. Indeed, this taste for Chinoiserie was revived at the end of the 19th century following the Franco-English military campaign against the imperial army in China in 1860. Napoleon III’s French troops bring back part of the treasure from the Summer Palace, constituting in 1863 the famous Chinese Museum of Empress Eugénie at the Palace of Fontainebleau. First in painting, the movement quickly spread to decorative arts and furniture. This craze for the Far East is encouraged in France by the diffusion of Chinese ornamental works renewing the interior decoration of the luxurious Parisian residences of a clientele eager for something new. It was also under the Second Empire that the Orientalists were propelled to the forefront. Emperor Napoleon III, aristocrats as well as wealthy bourgeois in search of exoticism fill the order books of the most renowned artists. It is then not the predominantly academic style of the Orientalists that counts but above all the exoticism that they show to a fascinated public. Biography Alphonse Giroux and Company, famous curiosity and luxury goods shop was situated in Paris, at No. 7 rue du Coq-Saint-Honoré and in business from the time of the Consulate until the end of the Second Empire. The company was founded by Francois-Simon-Alphonse and continued in 1838 by his two sons, Alphonse-Gustave (1810-1886) and André (1801-1879). The father became a close associate of the royal family and specialized in the manufacture of refined items for gifts. Kings Louis XVIII and then Charles X were both supplied with gifts for « The Children of France » by Giroux. Making progressively small furniture, they were mentionned for the first time in 1837 in the class « cabinet...

Heading : Tunbridge ware stationery box with image of Dover Castle Date : c1870 Period : Victoria Origin : Tunbridge Wells, Kent Decoration : Central mosaic of Dover Castele with...

Spanish wooden chest with original iron fittings.

Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1844 by Nathaniel Mills, this fine quality, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Castle Top Card Case, features a high relief chased scene of The Scott...

A wonderful and most charming Anglo-Indian 19th century black patinated, Bone and Oak box. This lovely rectangular box is supported on four squared feet in each corner. The front sid...

Heading : Tunbridge ware writing slope with cubework Date : c1840 Period : Victoria Origin : Probably Tunbridge Wells, Kent Decoration : Central perspective cubework with van dyk...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique William IV English sterling silver castle top vinaigrette depicting Newstead Abbey; an addition to our collectable box collection. This exceptional antique William IV silver vinaigrette has a rectangular form with rounded corners. The cover of this fine Nathaniel Mills vinaigrette is embellished with a scene of Newstead Abbey in high relief. The sides and the underside of the box are ornamented with panels of engine turned decoration, accented with an impressive elongated applied thumb piece ornamented with leaf and bud designs. The decoration to the underside incorporates a rectangular vacant cartouche. Both the base and cover are embellished with applied moulded borders. The hinged silver vinaigrette cover allows access to the original hallmarked hinged, pierced decorated silver gilt grille. The vinaigrette retains the original gilding to the surface and interior. A former Augustinian priory which is known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. This Abbey, situated in Nottinghamshire, is now publicly owned by the local Council and houses a museum displaying a tribute to Byron memorabilia. Condition This antique Nathaniel Mills vinaigrette is a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition. The decoration is very sharp and very crisp. The original gilding is in exceptional condition, in keeping with age. There is some discoloration to the interior of the grille, in keeping with age. Full hallmarks struck to the interior are all very clear; the nature of this piece dictates the location of the part hallmarks to the underside of the grille, resulting in the maker's mark and lion passant being partially visible. Reflections in photographs may detract from this fine example of antique silverware. Dimensions: Length 4.2 cm / 1.7" Width 2.7 cm / 1.1" Height 0.9 cm / 0.4" Weight 1 troy ounce / 30.2 g Maker: Nathanial Mills...

Decorate a coffee table or a shelf with this elegant antique box. Created in France circa 1880, the rectangular cabinet is decorated with an elegant floral inlaid star motif on the t...

A tin canister from the 19th century, with faux bois finish and canted corners. Created during the 19th century, this canister features an octagonal body ...

Vintage Great Britain Silver 3 Pill Box "Victoria" 1838 - 1887 Measures 5'5 x 3'5 x 2'5 cm / 2,16 x 1,37 x 0,98 inches Weight 48 gr Pradera is a second generation of a family ru...

Antique English Victorian Marquetry Inlay Tea Caddy Sewing Box, Desk Storage. Circa Mid 19th Century. Measurements: 4.25" H x 9.25" W x 6" D.

1980's Decorative " Eye" box Cast aluminium France

Here we have a Victorian (1837-1901) Walnut & Brass Writing Box. This opens to form writing slope set with black leather with a gold patterned embossing detail surround. Both the top...

19th century French lidded box with boulle-style inlay on lid (sawwork + mirrors). Dimensions: 7 x 31 x 23 cm. In good condition.  

- Wonderful antique Portugese knife or cutlery box - Hand crafted from coromandel and we date to circa 1880 - Come view in our Canonbury Antiques Hertfordshire...

A table cabinet parquetry-veneered in rosewood on the outside and opening (both with a hinged lid and front) to reveal a fitted interior with stumpwork-fronted drawers. The stumpwork...

Mahogany wood trunk with brass sockets. Inside, a set in French porcelain finely decorated in pure gold and polychrome with ribbons and garlands of flowers. Service consisting of six...

Vintage box with portrait is a vintage object realized by an artist of the late 19th Century.  Wooden container and ceramic portrait.  d 7,5 cm. Hand ...

We are delighted to offer for sale this antique original circa 1880 Black Forest Wood music box with grape vine carving to the top A very good lookin...

Beautiful hand painted wooden box decorated in very romantic style with lovely flowers on the top and front side. The edges of the box are made of metal and there are metal handles a...

Antique export tin metal transport canister container with wood case. Item features a solid wood frame, galvanized tin metal container, remnants of cork to mouth of canister, very nice antique item. Believed to be a 5 gallon...

This antique sterling silver and leather playing card box was made in London, England is 1885 by an unknown maker, in a period Victorian style. The box is styled as a miniature knife...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver castle top vinaigrette depicting Abbotsford House; an addition to our collectable box collection This exceptional antique Victorian silver vinaigrette has a rectangular form with rounded corners. The cover of this fine vinaigrette is embellished with a scene of Abbotsford House in high relief. The sides of the box are encompassed with panels of undulating ornamentation. The underside of the box is ornamented with engine turned decoration incorporating a rectangular cartouche displaying the contemporary engraved inscription 'J.E to S.E, 17th April 1821'. Both the base and cover are embellished with applied scrolling leaf decorated borders. The hinged silver vinaigrette cover allows access to the original hallmarked hinged, pierced decorated silver gilt grille and original gilded interior. A historical country house which was the former residence of renowned novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott, situated in the Scottish Borders...

Early 19Thc pantry box / cheese box with a handle in fine condition. This cheese box in great condition. This cheese container is from New England and is si...

A beautiful renaissance revival red velvet with gilt bronze doré letter box with shields and putti. In the style of EF Caldwell (1851–1914), not signed. Circa 1890, New York, US.  

19th century sterling silver monogrammed snuff or trinket box.

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver Vesta case in the form of a mussel; an addition to our diverse smoking related silverware collection. This exceptional antique sterling silver Vesta case...

Brass edged and inlaid Vanity / Dresser / Jewelry (relined) box having flush mounted lift handles on each side, the front and top with brass line inlay inside the brass edging and wi...

Swedish antique pine and birch wooden backpack storage box. It was use to pickup the berries in the woods. Fine quality of birch bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 centur...

English Victorian small rectangular shaped white porcelain box with woven design, blue trim and fruit design top.  

This is a salesman sample of a Demilune English chest. It has four doors with an ivory bar handle. It is all inlaid around the top and the bottom. It sits on four legs. Circa 1800s.

Oval Shaker box in chrome yellow paint with four swallowtail joints. Northeastern United States, 19th century. Completely original, dry, untouched surface. Measurements: 3 1/8” ...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver castle top vinaigrette depicting Abbotsford House, an addition to our collectable box collection. This exceptional antique silver vinaigrette has a rectangular form with rounded corners. The cover of this fine vinaigrette is embellished with a scene of Abbotsford House in high relief. The sides of the box are encompassed with bands of chased scrolling leaf ornamenation. The underside of the box is ornamented with engine turned decoration incorporating a plain rectangular vacant cartouche. Both the base and cover are embellished with applied scrolling leaf decorated borders. The hinged silver vinaigrette cover allows access to the original hallmarked hinged, pierced decorated silver gilt grille. The vinaigrette retains the original gilding; this has worn with age in a sympathetic fashion to an aesthetically pleasing mellow color. This exceptional vinaigrette was crafted by the renowned silversmith Nathaniel Mills. A historical country house which was the former residence of renowned novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott, situated in the Scottish Borders. Condition This antique vinaigrette is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition. The decoration is very sharp. Full hallmarks struck to the interior and part hallmarks to the underside of the grille are all very clear. Dimensions Length 3.8cm/1.5", width 2.6cm/1", height 1cm/0.4". Weight 0.8 troy ounce/26.3g. Maker: Nathanial Mills...

Fabulously aged antique wood box with handles. Box has patinated metal trim pieces & forged iron nails. No maker stamp 9.38 h x 18.5 w ...

Exceptionally detailed 19th century carved bone gunpowder flask Italian, 19th Century Height 36cm, diameter 11cm This unconventional gunpowder flask, created in Italy in the 19th ce...

Silver mounted striated agate box, circa 1870.

19th century Campaign vanity dressing box with boule inlay. Lia.

English Regency period mahogany collectors chest with ebonized detail. The mahogany case having six drawers with turned pulls, figured mahogany top with molded edge and sitting on a ...

A Fabulous and Unusual 19th Century French Dore Bronze Mounted White Opaline Egg Form Covered Nesting Box. The intricate craftsmanship of this piece is a ...

19th century wood stationery box.

Collectors Chest of Drawers from a Dentist Cabinet This Charming little cabinet has galleried top, at one side it has 4 drawers and at the other a larger drawer A lovely and very r...

A very pleasing, late 19th century, double compartment tea caddy. This marvellous and rare tea caddy is in very good condition and the burl walnut has a truly warm, deep and rich pa...

Antique 800 Silver Bonboniere / Sugar- Lidded box Christoph Widmann - Germany - 800 Silver Flowers & Children ornament - inside gilded Weight: 386 grams The condition can be seen ...

This straw inlay box is sumptuous, with twisted details on the handle and all around the edges. I think it was originally used to store jewellery.

This colorful tartan plaid box is hand decorated with shades of green; orange; red and yellow. It retains the original paint in very good condition. A new...

Pair of French Silver & Cut Glass Armorial Dresser Jars—AF Monogram, Bamboo Motif, 19th Century This elegant pair of French silver and cut glass dresser jars showcases exquisite cra...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning heavily carved Victorian walnut sewing table A very good looking and decorative piece...

Victorian Tramp Work Box, America circa 1880 Carved with chip and notch pyramidal carving Panels of Acorns and Snow bells, applied in high-relief Silver handles and escutcheon

Hallmarked in London in 1889 by Barnards, this attractive Victorian, antique, sterling silver biscuit box, has swirled and sunken half fluting, in the Queen Anne style. It has a flus...

Decorate a coffee table or a shelf with this elegant and colorful casket. Crafted in Italy circa 1880, the Venetian box stands on heavily carved feet decorated with gilt acanthus lea...