British Boxes

A Very Attractive Mid 19th Century Coromandel Wood Rectangular Work Box, The Well Figured Exterior With Original Brass Escutcheon And Hinged Lid Enclosing Lovely Fitted Interior, The...

English black lacquered and gilt stenciled figural pagoda hinged tea box with exterior gilt stenciled dragon motif, original interior pewter hand chased figural container with bone k...

Decorated with four skulls to top with titles of a Witch, King, Beauty and Beggar to each Skull underneath. Lidded.

This is a magnificent antique brass bound coromandel Victorian Gothic Revival casket by Parkins and Gotto, 24 & 25 Oxford Street, London, circa 1860...

Late Georgian / Early Victorian dresser box in thuya wood burl with quarter round brass edges, the top and front inlaid with brass lines connecting decorative corner devices centerin...

Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Mappin & Webb in Birmingham in 1965. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with flat top and scalloped tab. Interior cedar-lined and...

19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy

Mid 19th century English rosewood box with rounded brass edges, the top and front inlaid with brass lines and decorative devices in the corners. T...

Inlaid with Twin Conch Shells From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this beautiful antique Georgian Burr Yew wood Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of rectangular form wit...

A beautiful English blue and white Jasperware box, in the Neoclassical Style, by Wedgwood, England, 1968. Box is blue and white stoneware with a 'rotunda' style dome lid decorated wi...

Offered is a stunning Sheffield silver keepsake box dating to 1900, with associated hallmark. This small box includes a clean interior and rounded corners. The box is free of names or initials, but would have been used to house keepsakes such as jewelry or cufflinks. A well maintained, elegant piece, this antique silver box is an excellent addition to any silver collection. Trinket or keepsake boxes have taken on many forms since their first conception in ancient times. However their purpose remains the same; to store jewelry and other items precious to the owner. Originally, these boxes were used specifically for jewelry. These were in common use as early as 5000 BC in Ancient Egypt, when the majority of Egyptians, both male and female, wore jewelry. Boxes were used to keep these gemstone encrusted items safe. In Ancient Rome, jewelry was a status symbol. Rings and brooches were utilized to represent ones status in society. Again, boxes were needed for security and storage purposes. Finding early examples of these are quite rare. Victorian and Edwardian examples of trinket boxes are far more common. This is because owning jewellery was a luxury until the Victorian era- let alone possessing so much a box was needed to store it all. Fine jewelry and other items became available to the masses after the industrial revolution due to the reduction in production costs. This led to a demand for trinket boxes, which were much smaller than jewelry boxes and therefore better suited to the needs of the middle class who did not yet possess an abundance of jewelry. In Victorian households, collectables and other items of interested were also stashed inside these boxes. This is why they are known as trinket or keepsake boxes, rather than just jewelry boxes, although of course jewelry was also stored in them. Trinket boxes were produced in large numbers around this time. Many were lined with colored plush or velvet or rich wood. More elaborate designs had interior divisions and trays for rings and other pieces of jewellery. It was also common to see trinket boxes so small that they could only contain one item, such as a single ring. Ornate exteriors were created to reflect the value of the trinket boxes contents. The Edwardian era saw the introduction of new styles of trinket box. These included small circular or oblong boxes...

A fine sarcophagus-form penwork decorated box. The lid depicting a chinoiserie scene. With brass ring handles and elaborate foliate brass feet. Possibly used as a jewelry box or sewi...

A superb cigar case made from Crocodile / Alligator skin dating to the late Victorian era, c.1890. Excellent condition with all stitching intact. 5" x 3 1/2" x 1". Item: 35829 FRE...

An exceptional early nineteenth-century tortoiseshell tea caddy of fine Georgian craftsmanship, presented in fabulous condition. Rich coloration and a beautiful natural patina highli...

This is an antique smoker’s box. An English, oak and brass cigar case, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1905. A superbly appointed gentleman’s...

On offer here is an elegant English mahogany writing box dating back to the late 19th century, around 1880. The box, with gently rounded upper corners, was crafted from solid pine wood and then veneered with rich mahogany. At the center of the lid, there is an inlaid oval piece of mother-of-pearl, complemented by a matching mother-of-pearl escutcheon surrounding the keyhole. The box retains its original hinges, locks, and key, all in excellent working condition. When opened, this sophisticated writing box reveals a sloped leather writing surface, crafted from green-dyed sheepskin leather and adorned with a decorative gold-leaf border. The writing surface folds open on both sides, offering hidden storage space beneath for letters and documents. This writing box has been gently cleaned in our workshop, ensuring it is pristine, complete, and fully functional—a timeless piece of craftsmanship ready to be admired and used. An English mahogany writing box, also known as a writing slope or lap desk, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. These portable writing desks were essential for both personal and professional use, especially during a time when travel and correspondence were becoming increasingly important. Initially, writing boxes were made from oak and often featured intricate carvings. However, by the late 18th century, mahogany became the preferred material due to its durability and attractive appearance[1]. These boxes were designed to be both functional and stylish, often featuring brass fittings, secret...

This is an antique tea caddy. An English, rosewood and satinwood container with glass mixer, dating to the late Regency period, circa 1830. Delightful R...

Oval Tea Caddy with Silver Mounts From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Silver and Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy is of oval shape with a Tortoiseshell exterior mounted with engraved silver stringing, a silver shield plaque below the silver escutcheon and a silver looped handle. The interior features a floating tea shelf...

Antique 18th Century Bilston Enamel Etui / Sewing Box Case, complete with contents, decorated with teal enamel and gilt Rococo cartouche containing flor...

Charming early 19th century box decorated in faux tortoise shell and having zig zag patterned string inlay, the interior with fitted tray for use as a jewelry or work box and retaini...

A fine antique engraved sterling silver vinaigrette, Edward Smith, Birmingham, 1839. The vinaigrette is finely engine turned to the hinged top and the undersaide, the lid is monogram...

Rare and Unusual Scottish Silver Mounted Snuff Box With Attached Spoon By Andrew Wilkie c1838/39. The initials on the silver mounts on the horn base match the initials on the attache...

Awarded at Fernhill 18th August 1843 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are thrilled to offer this Ebonised Tea Chest given as a Royal Prize is 1843. The Tea Chest of rectangular for...

Fully Fitted Sewing Box From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to introduce this Antique Rosewood Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of rectangular form veneered in Rosewood with ...

Late 18th Century George III Pear form Fruitwood Tea Caddy With wooden stem, and an iron keyhole, escutcheon plate, its interior with remnants of the original silver leaf. The pi...

A charming early 20th-century brass document box, distinguished by its compact scale and beautifully aged patina. This rectangular form features a hinged lid, original swing handle, ...

Pressed Tortoiseshell Design From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Regency Architectural Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of bombe form with flared bas...

This is a superb antique goldsmith’s strong box. An English, cast iron locking safe, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. Of substantial weight and presence, this heavy safe embodies the durability and craftsmanship of 19th century security design, offering both practical storage and striking decorative appeal. Constructed from robust cast iron, ensuring remarkable strength and longevity Displays a time-worn painted blue finish, contributing to its wonderful aged patina Substantial lid fitted with a robust, articulated handle for confident operation Features a working lock mechanism, protected by a rotating lock cover Painted red interior offers a delightful contrast, beautifully aged with period character Fitted with a pair of side handles, allowing for careful movement despite its considerable weight Proves to be delightfully heavy at a weight of 86.6kg (190.92 lb) Ideal for use as a decorative storage box, strong room piece, or unique coffee table feature Exudes the industrial elegance and solidity associated with Victorian engineering A fine example of 19th century craftsmanship, combining form and function with historical allure A striking Victorian cast iron strong box...

An Extremely Attractive Mid 18th Century George II Period Rectangular Walnut Tea Caddy Having Boxwood Strung Decoration Throughout And Original Brass Swan Neck Handle To Hinged Lid E...

An English burl mahogany and inlay jewelry box from the 1800’s. The top of this square box has an inlaid cartouche of ebony, birdseye maple, and oak with brass banding. The box opens...

This is an antique dome top calling card box. An English, walnut and brass bound desktop tidy, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850.   B...

An example we have never seen in ever before making it a particularly rare, fun and special piece. Made from solid English sterling silver, it is fixed with four castors on the un...

An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage Elizabeth II English sterling silver cigar box made by Padgett & Braham Ltd; an addition to ...

This is a good quality, hand made hardwood lidded box with a fine quality hand carved bird, together with floral themes, which we date to the late 19th C / early 20th C Art Nouveau p...

Antique English Victorian Brass Inlaid Rosewood Jewelry Box, Circa 1890-1900.

George V sterling silver cigar box. Made by Barnard & Sons, Ltd in London in 1930. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and with tapering tab; top flap with engine-turne...

For your consideration, a 19th-century English artist's watercolour box, likely made of mahogany, featuring the manufacturer's label "R. ACKERMANN" on the interior lid. The box is b...

George III octagonal mahogany and boxwood inlaid box with unusual Price of Wales feather inlay, the edges strung in boxwood or holly, retaining pleasing old finish and original lock,...

This is a superb antique cigar case. An English, oak and cedar-lined desktop humidor, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. A handsome collector's ...

This is a fine quality Edwardian cut crystal dressing table pot, mounted with a sterling silver lid. The oval crystal body rests on a star-cut base and is exquisitely decorated with ...

Mid 19th century English sheffield silver plate tea caddy / thin biscuit with exterior design details and attached covered top . The tea caddy ...

A Delightful Early 19th Century, Regency Period, Burr Yew Wood Tea Caddy Of Sarcophagus Form Having Boxwood Strung Decoration, Original Ormolu Handles To Side...

This is an antique wine bottle case. An English, walnut and brass Champagne Magnum box, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820. Wonderful Regency bottle case, with a charming appe...

Distressed leather hat box for a man’s wide brim top hat. The lid is hinged and has a metal closure. The handle and strap stays are molded metal. The interior retains its original cr...

19th century English dresser box made from exquisitely grained rosewood. The box has wonderfully inlaid patterns on the top and front in...

A handsome mid-Victorian mahogany travelling dressing case or medicine chest by Thomson, London, dating from the mid-19th century. Of compact rectangular form, the case is fitted wi...

An Antique 20th Century London Tan Crocodile jewel box with lift tray opening, circa 1920 Beautifully matched crocodile skins have been used on this jewel box both the exterior and ...

Pale green stained shagreen covered Art Deco box with bone trimmed hinged lid raised on ball feet. The bottom stamped "John C(?) ______(?) & Sons, LTD."

Unusual pagoda form caddy finely figured veneers. Interior lids are original and match the exterior of the caddy, resting on brass ball feet

George VI sterling silver box. Made by Robert Pringle & Sons in London in 1939. Rectangular with curved corners. Cover hinged and tabbed; top has engine-turned wave ornament and rect...

This is an antique poodle tobacco jar. An English, fruitwood dog-shaped treen, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Fascinating treen ware, wit...

A sterling silver Turtle Pill box. The box is hand crafted and in the shape of a Turtle with small stunning Ruby eyes. Small enough to fit into a pants pocket un-noticed or stash...

A circa 1930's English engraved bone box with landscapes. Measurements: Height: 6" Width: 12.5" Depth: 8.5"

Very fine rosewood gentleman's toiletry box, English, ca. 1880

Mid 19th century mahogany brass bound campaign writing slope circa 1860. Good quality military-campaign writing slope, with secret compartments. Rectangular shaped box with brass s...

Indulge in the timeless elegance of this 19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate Tea Caddy, expertly framed with rich oak. This tea caddy represents a harmonious fusion of functi...

Set of 4 vintage Halcyon Days Enamel Boxes. "Yesterday and Tomorrow" Halcyon Days Enamel Box Shape: Oval Design: A floral and vine motif decorate...

This is an antique gentleman’s jewellery box. An English, coromandel keepsake casket in Aesthetic movement taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Distinguished by it...

Dome Topped Tea Caddy From our Tunbridge Ware collection, we are delighted to offer this Victorian Coromandel Tunbridge Ware Tea Caddy. The Tea Ca...

English Regency mahogany box with satinwood inlay. The four corners of the top are inlaid with lovely triangular scalloped decoration. All the border molding are also satinwood inlay...