Late 19th Century Boxes

A very fine antique Victorian Coromandel writing or stationary cabinet made by the world famous London box makers and retailers Houghton and Gunn, dated December 1878. The wonderfu...

This finely painted box was once presented as a gift, filled with popular snacks like roasted melon seeds, dried fruit, and cinnamon-toasted soy beans. Used like a modern lunchbox, e...

Double Tiered Pull Out Shelves From our Jewellery Box collection, we are delighted to offer this rare, unique Coromandel Tiered Jewellery Box by George Betjemann. The Jewellery Box ...

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...

How can this not make you smile? This well-carved antique Black Forest box of an expressive shaggy dog with glass eyes, forward gaze, open m...

A handsome and very stylish biscuit box dating to circa 1890 by the top notch silversmith, John Grinsell & Sons of Sheffield. Made from solid English oak, the box is fitted with e...

A French late 19th century Empire style crystal box with classical gilt bronze mounts.

Jewelry box Napoleon III Materials gilt bronze and ceramics Origin France Circa 1880 No Restorations Excellent condition Materials gilt bronze and ceramics ALL CERAMIC PLATES ARE PER...

A very elegant large French Kingwood Ormolu mounted casket of very generous proportions and of outstanding Museum quality, firmly attributed to Alphonse Tahan Paris (1830-1880), offi...

This is an antique workman's tool chest. An English, teak and brass capped craftsman's trunk, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Delightfully time-worn chest with a ro...

Wrapped in a light shade of leather, the metal stud decoration stands out on a trunk raised on gothic arched wooden supports. It will look wonderful on a sofa table as a hiding spot ...

A wonderful Victorian biscuit box or barrel, always highly sought-after in this Drum form, I have probably not had one for three or four years, that's how scarce and hard to come by they are. The fittings are made from silver plate with the lid topped with a finial in the form of a pair or drum sticks...

Beautiful music box by Bendon. Made in about 1880 in Switserland by this well known manufacturer. The mechanism plays 8 tunes on a 28cm cylinder as indicated on the original 'Bendon'...

Gorgeous Large 19th Century Crystal Box with Blue Enamel Decoration and gilt fittings. Box is raised on paw feet and come with a key. Gilt fittings show signs of oxidation that can e...

Late 19th century hand-carved fruitwood fan case from Switzerland. This is a lovely and interesting little piece which would look great on a dresser, or in a bookcase for display. ...

This stunning rustic Buddha box stand table is a late 19th century offering box. Significant Triangular shape box stand table set on legs carved as Naga's a...

A Late 19th Century Bronze and Viennese Enamel Jewelry Box The nice, highly decorated jewelry box with elaborate detailed enamel plaques, the two doors opening to two drawers with l...

Experience the timeless allure of our Old English Sheffield silver plate art deco style tea caddy, adorned with captivating lion head side handles and an attached cover. This extra...

Bronze Jewelry-Casket with Ornate Etchings and Cameos Inlaid by Tahan of Paris Gorgeously detailed jewelry box by Tahan of Paris. There are four Cameos bezel set on three sides of t...

A curated collection of seven small antique boxes in variation of different metals. The collection includes: - One pewter box illustrating a doubl...

French box with drawer for pencil and small office equipment. Made circa 1880, in France. Two chopsticks on the sides are missing (very discreet, please see the side photos). Palisan...

A handsome and very unusual late Victorian / early Edwardian biscuit box made from solid English Oak, beautifully carved with a bark design. The fit...

Daum Nancy bonbonnière "Pansies" circa 1898 A "Pansies" Opalescent glass bonbonniere with a hand-painted polychromatic enameled decor gold highlighted on an acid frosted background D...

A stunning, rare fine quality French gilt bronze mounted Kingwood marquetry bibus (miniature bibliothèque). In the manner of/possibly by celebrated ébéniste Maison Paul Sormani; the ...

This is an antique presentation box. A Japanese, lacquered lidded case with hand painted Oriental decor, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Superb Japanese interest wi...

A truly fine example of a Victorian Tunbridge Ware writing box or lap desk dating to circa 1870. The central section featuring Eridge Castle, East Sussex. The box comes complete with a working tasseled key, the lock in working order. The top portion lifts to reveal the fitted interior incorporating a pair of brass topped inkwells...

Amazing Marquetry and inlay on this Sorrento Napoli Box C1880. There is craftsmanship of the highest caliber all over this box. Box front drops down to reveal inside completely cover...

A French gilt-bronze mounted, fruit wood and ivory marquetry metal cloisonné jewellery box by Maison Alphonse Giroux and Ferdinand Duvinage, Paris, ...

Elegant vintage Limoges 22-karat gold trinket jewelry decorative pieces. French vintage Limoges porcelain in cobalt royal blue with fine gold decor. Mark...

Extremely Rare and Exquisite: A BA Bremond Musical Clock Step into the elegance of a bygone era with this extraordinarily rare musical clock, an exceptional fusion of artistry, inno...

A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized polychrome painted Humidor with a shaped display plinth to the top, surrounded with a turned gallery, and an upper compartmented drawer hand painte...

Beautiful Japanese box in red lacquered wood. The lid is decorated with flowering magnolia branches and signed by the artist. The inside of the box is covered with a paint loaded wit...

An Italian late 19th Century jewelry box with drawers and top compartment. Measurements: Height: 10" Width: 9" Depth: 6"

This sterling silver ring box was made in England in the late 19th century. It stands on 4 legs so it’s propped off the surface. The lining is original...

This is an antique Campaign correspondence box. An Anglo-Indian, teak and brass bound Colonial traveller's writing case, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Captivati...

Openwork teak box made in India at the end of the 19th century. The interior is lined with velvet. Over the course of its long history, this box has sometimes been glued back togethe...

Late 19th century large pigskin storage box, Chinese. Late Qing dynasty. Burnt red color & silvered brass or paktong fittings; the handles & their back plates of good quality. Label ...

A superb small gilt Victorian dresser box with a Pietra Dura plaque to the top. It retains a (torn) note with a dedication dated 1876. Leng...

A wonderful fine quality 19th century classical embossed tea caddy, having Bacchus like scenes of children playing, a goat and horse and much jollity. Elkington style.

19th century walnut box with bone and mother of pearl inlay, whaler made. This beautifully hand crafted box would have been made during the long voyage of a whaling ship. The star in...

A Swedish late 19th century burr walnut sarcophagus form sewing box from Gnesta, with working lock and key, lift out tray and partitioned interior. This high-quality Swedish sarcophagus-form walnut sewing box...

A large brass pandan box North India, 19th century The body with rounded profile and hinged raised lid with engraved and punched decoration centering ...

Victorian, Continental silver .800, footed tea caddy, Germany, with Hannau marks, circa. 1895, B. Neresheimer and Sohne - makers. Chased with dancing ...

This antique Victorian opaline glass jewelry casket is a true testament to the opulence and elegance of the era. The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly its exquisite floral enamel p...

A fine antique Austrian or possibly German inlaid bronze desk stamp holder/lick standing raised on four scroll work feet with a hinged cover with central ...

This is a pair of antique decorative boxes. A Chinese, ceramic lidded dish, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Appealing tradi...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export silver jewellery box; an addition to our collection of boxes and cases This exceptional antique Chinese Export Silver box has a subtly undulating rectangular form. The surface of the box has a planished finish and is embellished with an embossed and chased decorated stemmed floral and foliate design to the anterior surface. The decoration to the body continues to the cover, incorporating plum blossom arrangements and an impressive perched bird motif. This antique jewellery box is fitted with the original hinged cover. This exceptional Chinese silver jewellery box is supported by four impressive cast silver feet. The hallmarks struck to the underside of this fine box include: Maker's mark: HC (Hung Chong) Artisan workshop mark: QI CHANG (Shanghai) NOTE: We are grateful to Adrien von Ferscht for his help in identifying this exceptional antique piece. Condition This antique Chinese silver jewellery...

An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique Victorian English sterling silver vesta box modelled in the form of a tortoise; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional antique Victorian cast sterling silver vesta box has been realistically modelled in the form of a tortoise. The plain oval body of this Victorian vesta box is embellished with cast and applied components replicating the details of the tortoise's legs and head. The anterior surface of this rare box features an applied oval serrated panel / match striker. The hinged tortoiseshell cover opens to reveal the original gilt interior. The underside of the body bears the contemporary engraved inscription 'July 1883'. Condition This antique Victorian vesta box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. There are some blemishes and wear to the original gilding, in keeping with age. Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the body are very clear. Dimensions length 8.4cm/3.3" width 5.5cm/2.2" height 3.2cm/1.3" Weight 2.4 troy ounces/73.9g (including tortoiseshell cover) Maker: Thomas Johnson II Date: 1882 Origin: London, England Video: A video of this fine piece is available upon request. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this antique vesta box...

Small 19th century Swedish painted pine metal bound dome top box circa 1870. Original painted dome top chest of small proportions.  Superb opportunity to own a decorative piece to s...

Vintage Limoges France Jewelry Box, Pill Box with Conntry Scene Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Finish Painted Shape Square Measures 4x4 cm/ 1,57x1,57 inches I Li...

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a lady. . .look no further. This magnificent, 19th century box is made of beautiful and mint condition boxwood and it comes with the original, gilt perfume...

A German cigar humidor box carved in oak wood. This is a fabulous oversized black forest humidor box created in northern Europe, most probably in Germany or Switzerland, back in the...

A antique tortoiseshell singing bird box, most probably by Bontems, Going barrel movement, Gilt metal two-tone brilliance... When wound and start/stop slide moved to the right, the bird pops up through foliate chased gilt grille, then proceeds to move bone beak, wings and body from side-to-side to good complex continuous synchronized birdsong. The bird with streaked feathered plumage in brown, yellow, turquoise and red, lime green and purple iridescent highlights, highly polished lid interior for full bird reflection, in plain polished tortoiseshell case, twinned laurel leaf engraved bird lid border with the bird lid engraved with love birds and rose united beneath leaf swag arch, accentuated with gilt on silvered ground, hidden key...

Briar lady's casket with brass inserts. Inside compartments with coeval glass flasks and compartments in velvet and purple silk. The opening front reveals two drawers. The lids of th...

A beautiful antique decorative Napoleon III wooden box. Beautifully decorated with copper and bronze elements and round cut stones cut (tiger eye). The box is made of black lacquered...

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...

Large Majolica Palissy tobacco jar attributed to Thomas Sergent, circa 1880 unsigned. Naturalistic movement of the end of 19th century. The jar have the shape of a trunk with a bir...

This handsome box is a treasure. Sure to please anyone!