Boxes

Since antique times caskets have been used to keep important documents and jewels. In England silver boxes (and gold) in a various of shapes and sizes became popular in the seventeenth century. Small boxes, designed for many diverse uses – counters, snuff, vestas, tobacco, vinaigrettes, scent, nutmeg, toothpicks, toilet boxes. Larger boxes, made for specific storage requirements, including tea, sugar, biscuits, cigarettes and cigars. The jewellery box remains as popular today as it did in ancient times.

Boxes

Circa 1580

10187 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Bottle
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A fantastic little collector’s item. A rare 16^th century silver bottle, tiny size, probably for perfume oil or holy water. The detachable screw top contains a space inside for either a cork or dip stick. The body is finely engraved with hatched ornament typical of the mid to late 16^th century. Weight 20 grams. Height 6.5cm (to the top), 4.3cm (to top of body). Base measures 3.2cm x 2.2cm. English. Circa 1580. Unmarked silver.
Circa 1600 - 1620

10349 17th Century Antique Silver Pomander
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An intriguing piece of history contained in a small silver sphere. The antique silver pomander was worn round the neck or suspended from a belt and was intended to protect the wearer from sickness. The exterior of this example is hand engraved with royal portraits, probably English, based on engravings by Simon de Passe (c. 1595 – 6 May 1647). The screw top unturns to release six hollow, hinged segments to contain dried flowers, spices and scented oils. The interior is decorated with scroll and hatched engraving. A similar example formed part of the prestigious David Little collection. Weight 22 grams, less than 1 troy ounce. Height 3.9cm. Spread 5.6cm fully extended. Unmarked silver. Probably English. Circa 1600-20.
1675
Isaac Dighton
9172 Antique Charles II Silver Boxes
£6,950

A very rare matching pair of early antique silver boxes of octagonal form, with pull off tops, dating from the reign of King Charles II. Sterling silver. Simple plain form with a large hand engraved crest within tied plumage, very typical of the date. Superb antique colour. At this date boxes of this type would have originally been part of an extensive toilet service. Total weight 239 grams, 7.6 troy ounces. Height 3.5 cm. Width of top 9 cm. London 1675. Maker Isaac Dighton, London.
1675 - 1679
Marx Schaller
9789 Antique German Silver Tea Cannister
£6,500

A 17^th century German parcel-gilt silver caddy of barrel shape. With a screw top lid and drop ring handle. Beautifully made and very tactile to hold. Suitable for tea and sugar. Raised on four ball feet, the box is decorated throughout with silver lobes against a matted gilt background. Weight 321 grams, 10.3 troy ounces. Height 11.5cm (to the top), 15cm (to top of handle). Stamped on the top and underside of body with German silver marks and assay scrape for Augsburg, Germany. Maker Marx Schaller II. Circa 1675-79. See Rosenburg German silver marks for Augsburg page 127.
Circa 1680

9568 Antique Dutch Silver Marriage Box
£9,500

A 17^th century silver gilt casket of traditional rectangular form. The domed top with swing handle is hand engraved with a bridal couple surrounded by birds and foliage. The body, standing on four ball feet, has a front locking catch in the form of a flower, and is hand engraved with old testament scenes. Initials to the front of the lid. Weight 162 grams, 5.2 troy ounces. Height 7.7cm. Length 8.5cm. Depth 5cm. Stamped underneath twice with a maker’s mark (anvil?) unidentified. Circa 1680.
Circa 1690
Anthony Nelme
9371 17th Century Antique Silver Boxes
£3,750

A pair of early English antique silver toilet jars with lift off lids. Plain octagonal form. The tops have a hand engraved armorial within plumage feathers, typical of the Charles II/James II period. These unusual miniature toilet jars are very charming. Superb antique colour. At this date boxes of this type would have originally been part of an extensive toilet service. Total weight 148 grams, 4.7 troy ounces. Height 6cm. Diameter of lid 3.8cm. Makers mark only for Anthony Nelme. Circa 1690. Sterling silver.
1690

9997 William & Mary Antique Silver Nutmeg Grater
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A charming little late 17^th century silver nutmeg grater of teardrop form, one side fitted with a serrated rasp. Each side has a hinged lid with stand-away hinge. Both covers are hand engraved with simple foliate decoration. Weight 29 grams, 0.9 troy ounce. Height 2.5 cm. Top 3.7 x 2.9 cm. Total spread across the covers 8.3cm. Unmarked silver. English. Circa 1690.
Circa 1690

10212 17th century Antique Silver Counter Box
£1,750

An antique silver counter box of typical cylindrical form. The hand engraved decoration is very unusual having a finely worked matted and hatched background. The pull-off cover is decorated with the Tudor rose, the sides with cherubs, fruit and foliage. Weight approx.10 grams, 0.4 troy ounces. Diameter 2.1cm. Height 1.8cm. Probably English. Circa 1690. Unmarked silver. 17th century.

Literature. Counter boxes contained a number of disks, commonly stamped or engraved with portraits of English monarchs, that were used as game markers and counting devices. Counter boxes were rarely marked.
1704
Thomas Parr
10352 Queen Anne Antique Silver Tea Caddy
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An extremely rare collector’s item dating to the early 1700’s. This unique little silver tea box of cube form has a hinged lid with octagonal finial. The hand applied matted work is very specific to the 1680-90 period. The small size is due to the rarity of tea at this early date. Weight 203g, 6.5 troy oz. Height 9cm (finial), 7cm. Top measures 6.3cm square. London 1704. Maker Thomas Parr I. Britannia standard silver.
1718
John Farnell
10303 George I Antique Silver Tea Caddy
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A good early English silver caddy of plain rectangular design with the plain hexagonal design typical of the early 1700’s. The sliding top has a lift off cap which doubles as a tea measure. Weight 226 grams, 7.2 troy ounces. Height 12.6cm. Base 8.9 x 5.8cm. London 1718. Maker John Farnell. Britannia standard silver – purity 95.8%*. 18th century.
1733
Edward Vincent
9695 George II Silver Box
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A rare antique silver box of hexagonal form with a folding strapwork catch; the hinged lid having a large drop handle supported by ball finials. Of plain form and heavy gauge silver, this unusual box is extremely heavy. The interior pull out tray has two hinged lids enclosing six compartments. Possibly a spice box, although spice boxes of this period usually had a double centrally hinged lid, could also be used for cash or jewellery. Weight 1268 grams, 40.7 troy ounces. Height 9.5cm. Top measures 17 x 12cm. London 1733. Maker Edward Vincent. Sterling silver.
1740

9957 George II Antique Silver Cashew Box
£675

An attractive little antique sterling silver cashew box, or silver snuff box, of heart shaped design. Original gilt finish. The embossed lid decoration shows a young man playing a lute with a putto in the background. Weight 40 grams, 1.2 troy ounces. Height 2.5cm. Top measures 6 x 5cm. London 1740. Maker “LM”. Sterling silver.
1746
John Swift
10388 George II Pair of Antique Silver Tea Caddies
£5,850

An exceptional pair of rectangular silver tea cannisters with stepped hinged lids and canted corners. The plain form, almost cubic, is very attractive. To the front of each is an expansive hand engraved armorial for Martin within a decorative cartouche, the covers have a crest. Total weight 805g, 25.8 troy oz. Height 9.6cm. Width 9.2cm. Depth 8.4cm. London 1746. Maker John Swift. Sterling silver.
1748
Samuel Taylor
9867 George II Covered Sugar Bowl
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A rare antique sterling silver covered sugar bowl of circular form on a small spreading foot. Excellent plain design, typical of the period. Good colour. In the early 18th century sugar bowls or sugar boxes nearly always had covers which, when reversed, could be used as a saucer or spoon tray. Weight 219 grams, 7.0 troy ounces. Total height 9cm. Bowl diameter 9.7cm. London 1748. Maker probably Samuel Taylor a specialist tea caddy and sugar bowl maker.
Circa 1750

9674 Antique Silver Perpetual Calendar Snuff Box
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An 18th century silver snuff box with rotating dials to both sides. Very charming and retains the interior gilding. The panels have scrolled flower and chased decoration. The top side has the rotatable “Calendarium Perpetuum” which shows the days of the week (in old German script, and marked with their planetary signs) against days of the month. The reverse side has seven readout windows described by the headings on the rotatable disk (in old German script) – 1) month of the year with its number of days, 2) the important saints’ and feast days in the month, 3) sun’s Zodiacal position (represented by amusing little hand engraved zodiac symbols), 4) length of day, 5) length of night, 6) time of sun rise, and 7) time of sunset. A good example in very good condition. 126 grams, 4 troy ounces. Length 8.4cm. Width 5.5cm. Height 2cm. German. Probably 18^th century circa 1750. Unmarked silver.
1751
John Jacob
9784 George II Silver Caddies in a Box
£11,750

A stunning quality set of antique silver tea caddies and covered sugar bowl in a later fitted lockable tortoiseshell box with silver mounts. Very heavy gauge, cast silver. The deeply embossed and chased silver decoration is particularly attractive and each piece has a cartouche with a lion crest to the front. The two baluster shaped caddies, for green and black tea, have lift off tops. The bowl has a hinged lid with a bouquet of flowers finial. Total weight of 3 boxes 1,373 grams, 44 troy ounces. Tea caddy height 16.5cm. Sugar bowl height 15.5cm. London 1751. Maker John Jacobs, of Hugeunot origin. The box handle is hallmarked for London 1805, maker “JS”. Sterling silver.
1752
Samuel Herbert And Company
9504 George II Silver Caddies in a Box
£6,750

An excellent quality pair of antique sterling silver tea caddies and matching covered sugar bowl with gilt interior. All with cast silver bird finials and contained in a fitted Sheraton period wooden box with coloured flower and foliage inlays. The deeply embossed and chased silver decoration is particularly attractive and each caddy has a fine hand engraved coat of arms to the front. Heavy weight. The two caddies, for green and black tea, have the original lift off tops now drilled with holes to convert them into sugar shakers (muffinieres). Total weight of 3 boxes 882 grams, 28.3 troy ounces. Sugar casters height 15.5cm. Sugar bowl height 14cm, diameter 10.3cm. London 1752. Maker S Herbert & Co..
1761
Emick Romer
9755 George III Silver Chinoiserie Tea Caddy
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A fine example of an antique silver caddy box of bombe form with a side hinged lid and standing on scrolling feet. The sides are embossed with charming scenes of Chinese daily life. The lid finial is in the form of a mother and baby. Weight 366 grams, 11.7 troy ounces. Height 16cm. Body measurements at maximum – width 9.2cm, depth 8cm. London 1761. Maker Emick Romer. Sterling silver.
1766
Edward Aldridge
9826 George III Silver Caddies in a Box
£7,850

An exceptional set of antique silver tea caddies and covered sugar bowl in a black shagreen box with silver mounts. Excellent quality and classic styling. The bombe form tea boxes have lift off lids with gadroon borders; the decorative cast bases have applied acanthus mounts above to all sides. The two square shaped caddies are for green and black tea; the rectangular caddy is for sugar. The shagreen box has a red velvet interior; the exterior has beautifully ornamented silver mounts, the handle is hand engraved with a crest. Total weight of 3 boxes 858 grams, 27.5 troy ounces. Square caddy height 15cm base 8.5 x 7.5cm. Rectangular caddy height 16.5cm, base 9.5 x 8.5cm. London 1766. Maker Edward Aldridge. The box silver maker is “IW”. Sterling silver.
1769
William & Aaron Lestourgeon
10282 George III Antique Silver Box
£795

An attractive antique silver toilet box of plain cylindrical form with pull off lid and reeded rims. The top is hand engraved with a stag crest. Useful size suitable as a jewellery box or for cuff links. Weight 231 grams, 7.4 troy ounces. Height 4.7cm. Diameter 10.1cm. London 1769. Maker William & Aaron Lestourgeon. Sterling silver. 18^th century.
Circa 1770
John Parker & Edward Wakelin
10386 George III Antique Silver Tea Caddy
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A delightful antique silver tea box of plain cubic design with a flat hinged lid. The cannister form has very pleasing geometric lines. The top is charmingly decorated with a hand engraved border with shell corners, the finial is modelled as a pineapple. To the front is a locking mechanism (key available) and a hand engraved crest. An attractive feature is the fitted mahogany wooden box with colourful inlaid bands to the edges. Weight 303g, 9.7 troy oz. Height 12cm. Length 8.9cm. Width 8.9cm. London 1768. Maker Parker & Wakelin. Sterling silver.
Circa 1780
Francesco Arnaud
10387 Maltese Antique Silver Sugar Bowl and Cover
£3,350

An attractive 18th century antique silver sugar box of inverted pear form with a pull off dome cover. The fluted tapering body is raised on three cast hoof feet. Weight 180g, 5.7 troy oz. Height 12.2cm. Spread across the body 10cm. Malta circa 1780, Rohan Period (1775-97). Maker Francesco Arnaud.
Circa 1780

10236 18th Century Antique Silver Etui
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An attractive little travelling set in a clip top silver case of tapering rectangular form. The embossed decoration is very charming with a village scene, 2 dogs and a goose. The interior is fitted with a penknife, scissors and pencil. Length 8.8cm. Width 3.3cm. Unmarked. Continental. Circa 1780.
1796
Henry Chawner And John Emes
9949 George III Antique Silver Caddy Box
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A fine antique sterling silver tea caddy box of plain oval form, the fixed carrying handle with reed and acanthus decoration. Elegant classical features with bands of shell motifs hand engraved within concentric prick dot lines. The bucket handbag shape is very unusual. The double opening lid has an inset hinge and there is a lock to either side. Weight 546 grams, 17.5 troy ounces. Height 18.5cm (to top of handle), 11.5cm (to top of caddy). Length 15cm. Width 10.2cm. London 1796. Maker Henry Chawner & John Emes. Sterling silver.
1807
Peter & William Bateman
8216 George III Silver Tea Caddy
£1,950

A fine antique sterling silver tea caddy box of plain circular form having a central divider and lock (no key). An attractive feature is the decorative finial in the form of a Chinese gentleman holding a fish. The decoration is particularly fine, with gadroon edge borders and concentric bands of hand engraved leaf motifs, greek key design and basket weave. Weight 698 grams, 22.4 troy ounces. Height 16.5 cm. Diameter 16 cm. London 1807. Maker Peter & William Bateman.
1849
Joseph Angell
10194 Antique Silver Caddy Box
£2,250

A very ornamental antique silver tea caddy of rectangular form having a side hinged lid and integral feet. The sides and top have embossed scenes of chinoiserie decoration with excellent quality hand engraved detail. The front and back panels contain a shaped scroll cartouche with the expressive face of a lion with his flowing mane and one paw outstretched to the top and, a shell within matted brickwork to the bottom – all this bears a striking similarity to the #9454 Edward Wakelin caddy dated 1748 in our archive collection. Weight 371 grams, 11.9 troy ounces. Height 13cm. Base measures 10.2 x 8.8cm. London 1849. Maker Joseph Angell. Sterling silver.
1854
Yapp & Woodward
9838 Antique Silver Table Snuff Box
£2,750

A magnificent antique sterling silver box of military interest. Substantial size and weight. Original gilt interior. Crisp cast borders and engine turned decoration to the sides and base. The top bears a regimental inscription. This box is likely to have been used in the Officer’s Mess for the Loisel Regiment of Militia. Weight 572 grams, 18.3 troy ounces. Height 5.5cm. Top measures 12.5cm x 9.3cm. Birmingham 1854. Maker Yapp & Woodward. Sterling silver.
Circa 1860

9624 Antique Scottish Silver Snuff Mull
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An antique horn snuff mull with a broad silver mount embossed with thistles. The hinged lid is inset with a large citrine gemstone. Spread 14.5 cm. Diameter 6.5 cm. Unmarked silver. Probably Scottish circa 1860.
1863
Pittway Brothers
9842 Antique Silver Shaving Brush
£375

A good quality gentleman’s silver shaving brush which dismantles for travelling. Beautifully engraved. Real badger hair brush. The workmanship is excellent and the piece dismantles and screws back perfectly. Total weight 58 grams (includes the brush), under 2 troy ounces. Length 8.8cm, 14.5cm extended. Diameter 2cm. London 1863. Made by Pittway Bros.
Circa 1875
C.P Parkin
8830 Victorian Folding Biscuit Box
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A decorative version of the antique silver plated folding biscuit box. It opens to reveal a stunning gilt interior. Attractive shell shape with a decorative cast border frame. The pierced grills keep the biscuits in place and can be lifted to access the contents. Silver plated. Height 24.5 cms. Width 21.5 cms. Underneath there is the unicorn mark for the Cheltenham and Company Ltd, Sheffield, UK. Silver plate on copper. Circa 1875.
1886

7481 Antique Silver Card Case
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An antique sterling silver card case with hinged top and all over embossed scroll decoration. To the front there is a deep relief representation of the Scott Memorial in Edinburgh, Scotland. On the back there is a vacant central cartouche. Weight 70 grams. Height 10 cm. Width 7 cm. Birmingham 1886. Makers mark indistinct.
Circa 1900

10195 Antique Silver Fish
£7,500

This giant silver fish box is larger than life. An excellent quality model fish, beautifully articulated, and with naturalistic engraved detail and scales. The head opens to reveal a storage box. Stunning large size. Pale gilt finish and blue enamelled eyes. The bottom fins serve also as stand supports. Weight 2180 grams, 70 troy ounces. Length 72.5 cm. Height 12 cm (to top of fin). Continental silver marks for Hanau, Germany. Circa 1900. German silver fineness is usually 800/1000. 19th century.