Boxes / Desk

Browse our collection of antique silver Boxes, Miniature Items, Inkstands and Desk Related Objects

Small Silver and Gold Boxes, Vinaigrettes, Snuff Boxes, Tea Caddies, Biscuit Boxes, Cases, Cigar Boxes, Speciality Boxes etc.
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.

Miniature Boxes, Dishes, Toys, Models, Kitchenware and Musical Instruments
Silver toys originated in Europe during the 17th century and were made initially for the children of kings and queens. At that time England was still suffering under Puritanism and it wasn’t until the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 that silver toys were made available in this country. The earliest English silver toys date from 1665 and were made in London; it was uncommon for toys to be made in the provinces. The Dutch were the leading manufacturers of silver toys, their most prolific period being 1725-1750, and by then wealthy royalty, landowners and business men were buying toys for their own pleasure as well as that of their children’s.
The Traveller’s Sample would be an exact copy of a full size original. The great attention to detail and slightly larger size than normal toys of this period generally indicates this purpose.

Inkstands and Inkwells. Desk Accessories, Bells, Pens, Letter Openers, Seals
The inkstand did not enter into common household use until the 18th century. Earlier 17th century examples exist but are exceedingly rare. The main requirement was a container for ink and another for sand (or pounce) which was used for drying the ink. Also required was a space to put quills. Some inkstands also incorporated a taper stick for melting sealing wax or even a bell.
Desk accessories form a wide and interesting collecting field and they make an excellent gentleman’s gift. It’s thought that the first handwritten letter was written, probably on canvas, by a Persian queen in around 500BC. Letters were vital for basic communication, both personal and formal, and were governed by basic rules of etiquette. The equipment required to write a simple letter was quite extensive including paper, envelope, pen, ink, blotter, stamps. Once written the letter or scroll needed to be sealed using a candle wax kit. Letter openers are useful gifts.

Boxes / Desk

Browse our collection of antique silver Boxes, Miniature Items, Inkstands and Desk Related Objects

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.
Circa 1670

10393 Charles II Antique Silver Miniature Wine Taster
£1,250

A charming little early English miniature dish from the reign of Charles II. Very sweet size. This little cup has a circular form with simple wirework handles and an embossed grape decoration. Owner’s initials “AA” engraved to the top rim. Weight 12 grams, less than half a troy ounce. Height 1.5 cm approx. Diameter of top 5.2cm. Spread across handles 7.4cm. English, circa 1670. Unmarked sterling silver.
1673

8394 Charles II Antique Silver Brandy Cup
£1,750

A rare early English silver tot cup, or small size porringer, with twin side handles and belly shape. Lovely original hand beaten finish. Lovely original hand beaten finish. Weight 69 grams, 2.2 troy ounces. Height 5.5 cms. Diameter 6 cms. London 1673. Maker IC* listed in Jacksons.
1673
George Watkins
10182 Charles II Antique Silver Wine Taster
£2,750

A rare early English miniature wine taster from the reign of Charles II. Very charming size. This little cup has a circular form with simple wirework handles and embossed grape decoration. Weight 21 grams, less than 1 troy ounce. Height 2 cm approx. Diameter of top 6.1cm. Spread across handles 8.9cm. London 1673. Made by George Watkins. Sterling silver.
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.
1680
Ralph Leake
10419 Pair of Charles II Antique Silver Boxes
£10,750

An outstanding pair of 17th century silver toilet boxes of octagonal form with pull off lids. Good size and weight. The charming decoration is a superb example of the flat chased chinoiserie style popular in the late 1600’s. Each box depicts a different scene incorporating two Chinese figures within a backdrop of architectural ruins and exotic plants and birds. At this date boxes of this type would have originally been part of an extensive toilet service. Weight 738g, 23.7 troy oz. Width 13.7cm, 5.4 inches. Height 7.2cm, 2.8 inches. London 1680. Maker Ralph Leake. Sterling silver.
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.
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.
Circa 1690
Charles Eystone
10394 William & Mary Antique Silver Miniature Chamber Pot
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A charming little doll’s house piece. This rare miniature antique silver potty is made of hand beaten sheet silver with a simple scrolled handle. It dates to the second half of the 1600’s. Weight 13g, less than half a troy oz. Spread 4.9cm. Diameter 3.4cm. Height 2.5cm (to top of handle). London, circa 1690. Maker Charles Eystone. Sterling silver.
1691
John Duck
10420 William and Mary Antique Silver Beaker
£7,750

A superb 17^th century antique silver cup of tapering form cylindrical decorated with an exuberant floral design typical of the second half of the 1600’s. Prick engraved “1691” below the rim. An attractive feature is the domed leather presentation casket (circa 1780), the swivel hooks made of silver, the underside covered in marbled paper. Contains 200ml.
Weight 3.8 troy oz, 119g. Height 9.3cm, 3.5ins. Diameter 15.25cm, 6 ins. London 1691. Maker John Duck, well known for his fine period beakers. Sterling silver.
1693
George Manjoy
9539 William & Mary Antique Silver Miniature Mug
£2,350

A delightful little collector’s piece. This rare miniature (or toy) mug is an exact copy of a full size original. Of globular form it has a reeded and incised neck, and double scroll handle. This style was only made for a short period at the end of the 17th century and is the earliest type of mug you are likely to come across. The body is engraved with an exotic bird and leafy branches. Weight 14 grams, less than 1/2 troy ounce. Height 3.5cm. Spread 4.9cm. London 1693. Maker George Manjoy, a specialist toy maker.
1694
John Laughton
10432 William III Antique Silver Candlesticks
£10,750

A superb pair of early English desk candlesticks with square bases and lobed, gadroon decoration. The applied lion masks are extremely charming. The technique of making cast silver sticks was introduced into England circa 1685 and this is one of the early designs. Excellent quality and heavy gauge of silver. Total weight 750g, 24.1 troy oz. Height 15.5cm. Base 10.7cm. London 1694. Maker John Laughton. Sterling silver. 17^th century.
1695
John Laughton
10433 William III Antique Silver Candlesticks
£10,750

A superb pair of early English desk candlesticks with square bases and lobed, gadroon decoration. The applied lion masks are extremely charming. The technique of making cast silver sticks was introduced into England circa 1685 and this is one of the early designs. Excellent quality and heavy gauge of silver. Total weight 750g, 24.1 troy oz. Height 15.5cm. Base 10.7cm. London 1695. Maker John Laughton. Sterling silver. 17th century.
1697
Joseph Ward
10402 William III Antique Silver Casket
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A substantial early English silver box of plain rectangular form, having canted corners and broad gadrooned banding. Very rare. Excellent size. The top has a large hand engraved cartouche containing a decorative cypher. Weight 1133g, 36.4 troy oz. Top measures 25cmx18.5cm. Height 8.5cm. London 1697. Maker Joseph Ward. Britannia standard silver, 95.8% pure.
1701
Thomas Brydon
10371 William III Silver Snuffer Scissors
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A rare early English silver candle douter, also called a wick trimmer, with the simple plain style typical of the period. *Britannia standard silver. Weight 94 grams, 3 troy ounces. Length 15.9cm. Width 5.5cm. London 1701. Few snuffers were made prior to 1700. Maker Thomas Brydon, see Jackson’s Silver & Gold Marks page 154, a known snuffers and stand maker.
1701 - 1720
David Greene
10384 George I Antique Silver Bell
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A rare early English silver hand bell from the early 1700’s. Lovely plain style with concentric bands around the centre and bottom rim. Heavy cast silver. Weight 207g, 6.6 troy oz. Height 13.3cm. Diameter 6.7cm. Owner’s initials “MP” engraved to the top of the handle. London circa 1701-1720. Maker David Green. Britannia Standard silver, 95.8% purity.
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.
1710
Edward Cornock
10423 Queen Anne Antique Silver Tobacco Box
£2,750

A charming early English silver box of plain oval form. The pull-off cover with a large, crisp armorial within a decorative cartouche for Harrington quartering Moodie (Mudie). This style was popular from the mid-17th century up until the reign of George I. Weight 122g, 3.9 troy oz. Length 9.2cm. Width 7.4cm. Height 2cm. London circa 1710. Maker Edward Cornock.
Britannia standard silver, high purity 95.8%.
1712
Joseph Bird
10232 Queen Anne Antique Silver Tapersticks
£5,850

A rare pair of dainty little antique silver tapersticks with the desirable octagonal shape. Superb quality. Lovely crisp finish. The straight lined form features a faceted sconce and foot and a plain knopped tapering stem. Total weight 200 grams, 6.4 troy ounces. Height 12cm. Base diameter 7.1cm. London 1712. Maker Joseph Bird. Britannia standard silver. 18^th century.
1716
George Gillingham
10418 George I Antique Silver Snuffer Tray and Scissors
£8,750

It’s unusual to find a completely matching candle snuffer set from this early date, particularly with these attractive features. The scissor stand has an hour glass form, with the flat teardrop handle and small ball feet similar to early chambersticks of that date. The candle douter and wick trimmer has a simple open and shut mechanism and retains the original steel cutting plates, the pointed end was used to loosen and remove candle stubs from the socket. Both pieces bear the attractive hand engraved crest of a stallion horse.
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.
1718
Paul de Lamerie
10396 George I Antique Silver Snuffer Tray
£7,750

An antique silver snuffer stand, a good early example by the celebrated Huguenot maker Paul de Lamerie. Of shaped rectangular form with curved sides and a central carrying handle. Good plain design and heavy gauge silver typical of this date. Weight 267g, 8.5 troy oz. Height 2.7cm/5.6cm (top of handle). Length 18.4cm. Width 8.3cm. London 1718. Maker Paul de Lamerie. Britannia standard silver, 95.8% purity.
Circa 1720
David Clayton
10403 George I Antique Silver Miniature Silver Chocolate Pot
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A charming little antique silver toy coffee pot with a typical early 1700’s design having tapering sides, straight spout, and a turned wooden side handle. This is an exact copy of a full size original. Weight 17 grams, under 1 troy ounce. Height 5.5cm. Spread 6.5cm. Diameter of base 2.7cm. London circa 1720. Maker David Clayton. Sterling silver.
Circa 1720 - 1730

10437 George I Antique Gold Snuff Box
£8,750

A sumptuous early 18th century gold box of cartouche form with a hinged lid. The top panel is chased with the classical goddess Diana reclining in a forest setting with an Apollo mask above. The shaped side panels are decorated with dogs and birds. There is an old German or Austrian collector’s label attached inside. Supplied with later fitted blue box.
Weight 68g, 2 troy oz approx. Width 6.5cm, 2.5ins. English, Dutch or German. Circa 1725. Solid gold, high grade probably 18 or 22ct.
1724
John Bache
10302 George I Antique Silver Tapersticks
£3,350

A delightful pair of little antique silver taper sticks with the plain hexagonal design typical of the early 1700’s. Cast silver. Total weight 235 grams, 7.5 troy ounces. Height 11.4cm. Base measures 7 x 8cm. London 1724. Maker John Bache. Britannia standard silver – 95.8% purity*. 18th century.
1725
John Eckford
10366 George II Antique Silver Taperstick
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A pretty little antique silver taperstick with knopped stem and shaped rectangular base. Nice plain style. Hand engraved initials “ERB” in old fashioned script to the foot. Cast silver. Weight 154 grams, 4.9 troy oz. Height 10.5cm. Diameter of base 6.7cm. London 1725. Maker John Eckford II. Sterling silver.
1726
John Edwards II
10243 George I Antique Silver Inkstand
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A rare early English silver standish of plain rectangular design raised on large scroll feet. Sterling silver. Mounted on top are two circular containers for ink and sand. Excellent weight 999 grams, 32.1 troy ounces. Base height 5 cms, length 28 cms, width 19.5 cms. Ink bottle height, 5 cms, diameter 5.75 cms. London 1726. Maker John Edwards.
1730
John Bache
10363 George II Antique Silver Taperstick
£1,050

A delightful little antique silver taper stick of plain early design with baluster stem and square octagonal foot with a sunken well. Nice plain style and straight lines. Cast silver. Hand engraved within the well is a “hand” crest. Weight 94g, 3.0 troy oz. Height 10.5cm. Base diameter 6.5cm. London 1730. Maker John Bache. Sterling silver. This taperstick would make a good pair with #10360 (minor differences).
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.
1737
Willem Van Strant
10116 Antique Dutch Silver Miniature Teapot
£1,250

A Dutch silver toy teapot of pear shaped form with swing handle and detachable lid. Very good condition. Excellent patina. Weight 45 grams, 1.5 troy ounces. Height 5.5cm (to top of handle), 4.4cm (to top of knob). Made in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Date mark “C” for 1737. Maker Willem Van Strant.
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
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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.