DRESSING CASES, JEWELLERY & SEWING BOXES

There are currently [10] Dressing Cases, Jewellery & Sewing Boxes online

Ladies' & Gentleman's 19th century dressing cases, Jewellery Boxes and Sewing Boxes.

TEA CADDIES

There are currently [4] Tea Caddies online

The majority of my tea caddies are Georgian and date between 1760 and 1820 in a variety of shapes. Various woods were used at that time, mainly Mahogany, Harewood (Sycamore), Satinwood, Yew, occasionally Elm and Partridgewood. Some were just crossbanded, but others were intricately inlaid, using a variety of exotic woods. The conch shell and fan were popular Sheraton devices used as motifs in inlay.

THE 19TH CENTURY OFFICE

There are currently [15] The 19th Century Office online

I have specialized in these stationery cabinets for over 25 years, and currently have 23 in stock. They are mid Victorian, made by cabinet makers between 1850 and 1880. They were used at home as well as in offices, and, although they appear at first glance to look similar, the sizes and proportions as well as the shapes, can differ greatly. The finish and interior features, such as scroll calendars writing slates, set some of them apart from the others. Walnut and oak were the most commonly used woods, but I have also had stationery cabinets of mahogany, coromandel and satinwood.

WRITING BOXES

There are currently [3] Writing Boxes online

The first writing boxes were made at the end of the 18th Century. They were individually manufactured on commission for naval officers, high-ranking army officers, and gentlemen of wealth. At sea, they had several functions. They were used as portable writing desks, which could be screwed down on a surface to prevent slipping around. The box would contain all the documents and writing equipment required by captain to deal with his correspondence. There were sets of drawers fitted for valuables such as gold sovereigns behind secret panels, and false floors, and often candle holders to provide illumination during the dark nights at sea. Many had side drawers fitted with jars and compartments for the gentleman’s toilet requirements. Some even had built in copying machines, which could quite effectively reproduce a hand written letter, albeit in reverse.

These early boxes were usually made from Cuban mahogany or rosewood, and often decorated with foliate brass inlay or recessed brass straps, and brass quadrants edges.

Writing boxes continued to be used by the better-off throughout the 19th century, and accompanied them wherever they travelled. The quality of manufacture would vary, and towards the end of the century, they were being mass-produced, and became popular as gifts for young people on reaching their majority...

BOARD GAMES

There are currently [9] Board Games online

Specializing in chess and backgammon, I currently have in stock six Staunton style chess sets, three by Jaques, London in their original boxes, four chess/backgammon boards and two fine quality games compendiums. My stock frequently changes and |I invite you to contact me with your requirements.

POST & BALLOT BOXES

There are currently [7] Post & Ballot Boxes online

Towards the end of the 19th century post boxes were to be found in clubs, hotels, country houses and the large town houses of wealthy individuals. They were made in many different shapes, usually in oak, the most desirable being in the form of a cylindrical pillar box. It was usually the job of a footman to empty the post box twice a day, and deliver the contents to the post office.

MEDICAL BOXES

There are currently [3] Medical Boxes online

This category usually covers apothecary’s cabinets dating from 1850, and other later medical boxes, including chemistry and homeopathic boxes.

OTHER ITEMS

There are currently [11] Other Items online

This category covers anything that does not fit in the other categories. This might include flask boxes, decanter boxes, miniature sets of books, ink stands, knife boxes, cabinets of drawers etc.