It was unexpected that, at the age of 64, William IV was crowned king of England. He had two older brothers, yet the death of Prince Frederick put him in line for the British throne when George IV died in 1830. His reign was brief, as he died on June 20, 1837, but it was a pivotal time of change, with parliamentary reform leading to the present-day constitutional monarchy. Antique William IV–style furniture reflects this period of transition, with forms that bridged the neoclassicism of the preceding Regency style and the more extravagant Victorian style that would follow.
Inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, William IV designs were often more imposing than Regency furniture and featured decorative attributes. There were sofas balanced on lion’s feet and tables with brass fittings. But furnishings of this period were largely marked by straight lines and subdued ornamentation compared to those of the George IV era. William IV had an unassuming way about him and was much more formal, whereas the ruler who preceded him was a king of extravagance. George IV had an affinity for French decor and was heavily invested in overhauling the private residences at Windsor Castle.
Carvings on William IV four-poster beds and cabinets included scrolling shapes, lotus leaves and acanthus, while popular pieces like tilt-top tables and upholstered seating on caster legs provided flexible interiors. Richly toned woods like mahogany and rosewood were used for sideboards, bedposts boasting reeded details and dining chairs with intricate chair backs and turned front legs.
William IV left no legitimate heirs, so his young niece, Victoria, became queen. She would lead an era of taste in which the innovations of the Industrial Revolution allowed for manufacturing showier furniture to fill elaborate interiors. With its comparatively refined forms and restrained designs, William IV style was a pause before a time of radical aesthetic change.
Find a collection of authentic William IV tables, armchairs, decorative objects and other 19th-century furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
English c. 1835 Coromandel Jewelry Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1835 English coromandel jewelry box. "Secret" release tray in base. Bramah type lock. Brass engraving shield, no monogram. Fine quality interior brass engraved mounts and hardw...
Wood
19th Century English Mahogany and Brass Campaign Chest, Small Scale
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century William IV period mahogany campaign box or small chest with brass mounts. An unusual size for this type of chest, quite handsome, and large enough to store a fair amount...
Brass
Antique English Rosewood Inlaid Sewing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Inlaid with floral sprays of engraved mother of pearl and brass From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to offer this William IV Rosewood Inlaid Sewing Box. The Sewing Box ...
Silver
English William IV Stickware Tunbridge & Rosewood Stationery Box c.1835
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome piece of early Tunbridge Ware dating to around 1835, William IV in era. Made from wood this small stationery box is decorated with intricate Tunbridge Stickware inlay. The interior has been professionally re-lined in a handsome hand-marbled paper; the size of the interior would suit...
Wood
Mother of Pearl Inlaid William IV Tea Caddy
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine William IV tea caddy with mother of pearl inlay in rosewood ground, the overall sarcophagus form, having palm fronds and folia...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
$2,688Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Teapoy English William iv Rosewood Work Box, 19th Century, circa 1835
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique teapoy, an English, William IV, rosewood work box dating to the early 19th century, circa 1835. Superb color in the polished rosew...
Rosewood
Quality Antique Willian IV Rosewood Tea Caddy
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality antique 19th Century William IV rosewood tea caddy, having a quality shaped rosewood top opening to reveal a fitted interior of a glass tea mixing bowl and a tea lidded compa...
Rosewood
19th Century Burr Walnut Double Hinged Writing Slope with Brass Edges and Inlay
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Brass bound and inlaid burled walnut travel desk of large size and with double hinges. The first section lifts to a vertical position with document storage in the lid, the second sec...
Brass
Rare Georgian Engine Turned Sewing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Rare Engine Turned Design The Sewing Box of slight sarcophagus shape stood upon four turned ribbed feet. The Sewing Box tapers up to the convex raised lid and features scrolling fl...
Brass
Antique Georgian Amboyna Sewing Box
By William Dobson
Located in Northampton, GB
Veneered in Amboyna Wood From our Sewing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Amboyna Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of rectangular shape veneered in Amboyna with a circular mo...
Bone, Shell, Amboyna
Antique Georgian Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
With a Fitted Sewing Box Interior From our Tunbridge Ware collection, we are delighted to offer this Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box. The Rosewood box of rectangular form extensively inla...
Wood
Impressive William IV Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy in Contrasting Exotic Woods
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Large and impressive William IV tea caddy of sarcophagus form in exotic woods. The exterior in nicely grained contrasting dark and light woods bordered with gadroon moldings and with...
Wood
William IV Goncalo Alves Jewelry Box, Antique Inlays, England, 1840
Located in High Peak, GB
K0123, stunning William IV goncalo alves work box / jewelry box, having quadrant beading and fine decorative inlays to the front and to the hinged top which opens to reveal newly rel...
Wool
English Burl Walnut & Figural Cherub Wedgewood Letter Box with Mounts, C. 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
English Burl walnut and figural cherub wedge-wood hinged letter box with compartmentalized fitted interior, locking mechanism with key, decorative circular rope motif, and original e...
Brass
William IV Sterling Silver Newstead Abbey Vinaigrette by Taylor & Perry, 1835
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1835 by Taylor & Perry this remarkable William IV sterling silver vinaigrette is of a rectangular form with a hinged lid. The 'castle top' lid is deco...
Sterling Silver
$1,313Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Sarcophagus Tea Caddy, English, Loose Leaf Case, William IV, Circa 1835
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique sarcophagus tea caddy. An English, rosewood loose leaf tea case dating to the William IV period, circa 1835. A beautifully proportioned piece with fine detailing, ...
Hardwood, Satinwood
William IV Pocket Nutmeg Grater Made in Birmingham by Joseph Willmore, 1836
Located in London, GB
A Very Fine William IV Pocket Nutmeg Grater Made in Birmingham in 1836 by Joseph Willmore. The Nutmeg Grater is of a large size, with reeded rounded sides. The hinged cover is engra...
Set of 3 William IV Period Painted Toleware Shop Tea Canisters
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A Set of Three Exceptional 19th-Century Toleware Shop Tea Canisters A superb and very decorative set of three 19th-century William IV period English toleware tea canisters, origin...
Tôle
Nathaniel Mills Antique Sterling Silver Vinaigrette
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
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...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs, c1835
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs, c1835 Additional Information: Heading: Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs Date : c1835 ...
Rosewood
Set of 3 William IV Period Painted Toleware Shop Tea Canisters
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A Set of Three Exceptional 19th-Century Toleware Shop Tea Canisters A superb and very decorative set of three 19th-century William IV period English toleware tea canisters, origin...
Tôle
Antique English Vanity Box in Rosewood by Howell James & Co
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Vanity box in rosewood by Howell, James & Co, dating to 1837 during the late Georgian period and the reign of William IV. The box is of rectangular form wit...
Silver, Sterling Silver
19th Century Mahogany Bottle Holder
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century English mahogany bottle holder in the Georgian style with six compartment each with shaped solid side and central handle.
Carved & Polished Cow Horn William IV Portrait Patch Box, England, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
This 19th-century English patch box dates to the early–mid 1800s and is carved and polished from cow horn. It consists of two carved sections and measures approximately 2 inches in d...
Horn
Rare William IV period sterling silver lockable box made in London in 1831
By Charles Reily & George Storer
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1831 by Charles Reily & George Storer, this very handsome, Antique, William IV period, Sterling Silver Box, is plain in design, with reed borders, and an engr...
Sterling Silver
19th Century English William IV Rosewood Tea Poy
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality William IV rosewood tea poy, opening to a fitted interior retain its original glass bowls, above a turned stem over a platform base,...
Rosewood
William IV Mahogany Tea Caddy in the Form of a Pedestal Sideboard
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An unusual William IV mahogany tea caddy in the form of a pedestal sideboard with a hinged lid opening to reveal a central well for a mixing bowl (now missing) flanked by two removab...
Mahogany
19th Century William IV Fruitwood Teapoy
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century William IV Fruitwood Teapoy with rectangular caddy top above lotus carved body on slender pod over finely carved base
Fruitwood
$1,598
H 8.47 in W 23.23 in D 13.19 in
Early 19th Century Georgian English Travel Writing Box Mahogany
Located in Münster, DE
Writing box, mahogany, England, around 1830, writing surface with leather overlay, nice interior division Large writing box / travel writing desk E...
Brass
Quality antique Victorian tunbridge ware inlaid tea caddy
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality antique Victorian tunbridge ware inlaid tea caddy having a lovely antique Victorian tunbridge ware inlaid tea caddy with beautiful detail to the box opening to reveal two rec...
Wood
19th Century English Victorian Copper and Brass Coal Scuttle Bucket
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique coal scuttle next to a fireplace or hearth for both function and charm. Crafted in England, circa 1880, the oblong bucket is hand-hammered in copper and si...
Brass, Copper
Antique English Inlaid Mahogany Tea Caddy, circa 1790
Located in Bath, GB
A very handsome George III tea caddy, made from Mahogany and beautifully inlaid with panels and highly decorative foliate marquetry to the front and top. The top has a handsome cast ...
Mahogany
Miniature 19th Century Victorian Figured Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c. Charming antique miniature chest of drawers. The chest has a marble top. The case is figured mahogany, with four stacked drawers, the ...
Marble, Brass
19th Century Rosewood Dressing/Jewellery Box
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Victorian Rosewood Dressing table box with Mother of pearl car-touché to the centre of the lid, the lid does have age related shrinkage. To the inside of the lid it has a blue velvet...
Rosewood
Antique English Regency Period Rosewood Inlaid Box, Circa 1820.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Regency Period Rosewood Inlaid Box, Circa 1820.
Rosewood
$772
H 3.51 in W 11.46 in D 9.61 in
Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs, c1835
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs, c1835 Additional Information: Heading: Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs Date : c1835 ...
Rosewood
19th Century Country English Chest with House Facade
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming folk art 19th-century country English pine blanket chest or box featuring a Georgian manor house facade on the outside. The storage box has a hinged top and handles on each ...
Iron
19th Century English Dresser Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th century English dresser box made from exquisitely grained rosewood. The box has wonderfully inlaid patterns on the top and front in...
Ivory, Rosewood
$1,795Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.6 in W 12 in D 9 in
Antique English Coromandel Fitted Traveling Vanity Dressing Box, circa 1870
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb antique 19th century English coromandel and rosewood fitted travel vanity or dressing box, circa 1870. This fine box contains the original contents including silverplate lidded cut glass jars, sewing tools...
Silver Plate
19th Century Country English Chest with House Facade Georgian Trunk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming folk art 19th-century country English pine blanket chest or box featuring a Georgian manor house facade on the outside. The storage box has a hinged top and handles on each ...
Iron
William IV Boulle Tea Caddy
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine William IV period brass inlaid rosewood tea caddy of overall sarcophagus form, having campaign type flush fitted handles, the interior with original glass mixing bowl and t...
Brass
Sold
H 4.38 in W 8.63 in D 6.54 in
A Sarcophagal Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box with Isometric Cube Design, c1835
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
A Sarcophagal Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box with Isometric Cube Design, c1835 Additional Information: Heading: Tunbridge Ware - A Sarcophagal Se...
Rosewood
C. 1830 English William IV Period Tea Caddy
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1830 William IV period tea caddy, English. Outstanding quality. Amboyna burr wood with rosewood - bird, floral & naturalistic inlay designs. Sarcophagus form. Turned wood feet ...
Rosewood, Amboyna
Sold
H 1.5 in W 3.6 in D 2.6 in
Very Fine William IV Silver Gilt and Glass Soap Box by Thomas Dicks, 1836
By Thomas Dicks
Located in London, GB
A Very Fine William IV Silver Gilt and Glass Soap Box Made in London in 1836 by Thomas Dicks. The Soap Box has a broad rectangular form with cut glass square cut base. The beautiful silver gilt pull off cover displays an outer rim of acorns and oak leaves. The central panel is engraved with engine turned designs and pierced with pluming feathery scrolls. The central gold "Button" cartouche is engraved with a set of contemporary mirror cipher initials. The box is quite excellent condition and is very well marked on the underside of the cover. Thomas Dicks specialised in silver mounted glass and travelling vanity sets...
Silver
Antique Georgian English Rosewood Jewellery Box by Edwards
By David Edwards
Located in Northampton, GB
Rosewood Circa 1830 From our Jewellery Boxes collection, we are delighted to offer this Antique Rosewood Jewellery Box by Edwards, makers...
Brass
Sold
H 4.02 in W 3.08 in D 0.48 in
Calling card case made from mother of pearl, English, William IV period, C1830
Located in Central England, GB
This fine and rare example of an early 19th-century British gentleman's calling card case is beautifully veneered in pale shimmering mother of pearl, and delicately hand-engraved to ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Velvet
Antique sterling silver snuff box, William IV
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive and decorative antique sterling silver snuff box. It is a rectangular shape, very ergonomic and easy to slip into the pocket and it has a wonderful wavy engine turned ...
Sterling Silver
Georgian Brass Bound Mahogany Jewelry Watch Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Racing Green Cushioned Velvet Lining The Box of rectangular form crafted from Mahogany features triple brass bounding around the perimeter of the box with further brass strapping fr...
Wood
Georgian Scottish Mahogany Jewellery Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Brass Bound Rosewood Frame From our Jewellery Box collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Scottish Mahogany Jewellery Box. The Jewellery Box of rectangular form crafted from features multiple brass mounts to the corners with two parallel brass straps from the front to the back. The top centre of the Jewellery Box features a stylised vacant brass initial plaque. The interior of the box contains its original red Georgian lining with drop down documents storage within the inside of the lid hiding the original makers label for J Johnston...
Brass
William 1Vth English circular Footstool Box Inlaid Hardwood, Circa 1830
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a rare example of an English Combination Lidded Foot Stool complete with an integral box or sewing box, hardwood with inlaid detail and dating to the early 19th century, Will...
Fabric, Hardwood, Walnut
Georgian Glass Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
The Tea Caddy of slight oval shape with diamond quit cut canted corners, an engraved monogram to the body reading MAAF and a radial cut stopper. The Tea Caddy dates to the late Georg...
Glass, Cut Glass
c. 1830 William IV Period Tea Caddy
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
William IV period sarcophagus form tea caddy, English, circa 1830. Original interior fitted with a pair of dome-top tea canisters and section for sugar bowl (bowl lacking). Original ...
Wood