waxantiques

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.

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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.

  • Circa 1580

     

    10187 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Bottle

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    A fantastic little collector’s item. A rare 16th 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 16th 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 1635

    Simon and Willem De Passe

    9993 Charles I Antique Silver Box

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    A charming piece of early silver. An antique silver counter box of cylindrical form, the openwork sides pierced with fanciful birds and scrolling foliage. The cover has a bust portrait of Charles I, the base has a bust portrait of Henrietta Maria. This box has no counters.

  • Circa 1660

     

    9471 Antique Dutch Silver Marriage Casket

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    A rare 17th century silver wedding box “knottekistje” with a domed and hinged cover and swing handle. The pierced body has scrolling foliage, flowers and birds. Weight 268 grams, 8.6 troy ounces. Height 8.1cm. Length 10.2cm. Depth 6.3cm. Stamped underneath with the flower mark. Circa 1660. Maker unidentified.

  • 1665

    William Goodwin

    9117 Antique Charles II Miniature Silver Wine Taster

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    A rare early English toy wine taster in sterling silver from the reign of Charles II. Very sweet size. This little cup has a circular form with simple wirework handles and an embossed leaf and flower design. Weight 13 grams. Height 1.5 cm approx. Diameter of top 5 cms. Spread across handles 7.6 cms. London 1665. Makers mark “W.G” (see Jacksons page 123*), possibly William Goodwin free 1654, died 1703 (attribution by Dr David Mitchell “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”).

  • 1669 - 1673

    Johann Balthasar Sedletzky

    9068 Antique German Silver Casket

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    A rare early Augsburg silver box of octagonal form with hinged lid and key. The silver is very thin gauge which is typical of early German silver and is heavily embossed with fruit and ribbon design. The base plate still has the original fasteners. Weight 266 grams, 8.5 troy ounces. Height 7.3 cms. Base 16.5 x 13.5 cms. Stamped on the edges and underneath with German silver marks for Augsburg. Makers mark IBS for Johann Balthasar Sedletzky. Circa 1669-73.

  • Circa 1670

     

    8131 Charles II Miniature Silver Wine Taster

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    A rare early English toy two-handled wine taster in sterling silver from the reign of Charles II. With a simple plain form and wirework handles. This little cup has an excellent patina and hammered finish. Contains 10 ml approx. Weight 12 grams. Height 2 cms. Diameter of top 4.5 cms. Spread across handles 6.7 cms. Marked underneath with the makers mark only “WH conjoined, mullet below”. Mark entered 1670 (see Jacksons page 130*).

  • Circa 1671

     

    8260 Antique Silver Snuff Mull

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    A charming antique silver mounted horn snuff box having a rising lid with an elaborate silver strapwork hinge and a silver band around the top edge. Attractive waisted shape. Height 6 cms. Top measures 4 x 3.7 cms. Unmarked silver. Most probably Scottish. Underneath there is the incised date “1671” which is probably the original date.

  • 1675

     

    9572 Antique Charles II Silver Boxes

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    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. Good size and weight. Sterling silver. Simple plain form with a large hand engraved armorial within tied plumage feathers, 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 645 grams, 20.7 troy ounces. Height 6.3 cm. Width of top 12.7/13.5 cm. London 1675. Maker’s mark “B” – see Jackson’s page 133.

  • Circa 1680

     

    9724 Antique Dutch Silver Marriage Box

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    A 17th century silver casket of traditional rectangular trunk form having a domed top with swing handle. The openwork cast body is smothered in flower heads and scrolling foliage. Bold flowers, including poppies, tulips and daffodils were very popular during the mid to late 17th century. The hand chasing is excellent. The body stands on four little ball and claw feet and has a front locking catch. Weight 159 grams, 5.1 troy ounces. Height 6.6cm (7.5cm with handle extended). Length 8.2cm. Depth 5cm. Stamped inside on the base twice with a maker’s mark (bird?) unidentified. Dutch. Circa 1680.

  • Circa 1680

     

    9855 17th Century Continental Silver Pomander

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    A fascinating piece of history contained in a small silver globe. This antique silver pomander of spherical form has all-over chased decoration of flowers & leaf-scrolls in low relief. The screw top unturns to release the six numbered, hinged segments with sliding covers, the interior with hand engraved flowers. The foot unscrews to reveal a secret hollow compartment. Weight 89 grams, 2.8 troy ounces. Height 6.5cm. Spread 9cm fully extended. The pomander is made of unmarked silver It is quite usual for a small article of this date to be unmarked. Probably Dutch. Circa 1680.

  • Circa 1680

     

    10325 Antique Silver Table Trivet

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    An unusual 17th century miniature table of rectangular form standing on cabriole legs. A perfect display for a small tea set or pair of candlesticks. The solid wood top, with inset armorial plaque, is mounted with a silver framework. The underside still has the original claws to hold the wood in place and the pretty little wing nuts for the silver plaque; the remains of an old collector’s label can be seen in the corner. Top measures 26.2cm x 16.4cm. Height 6.3cm. Maker “GJ”. English, circa 1680. Provincial silver. Probably East Anglian.

  • 1683

    Samuel Hawkes

    9523 Charles II Silver Wine Taster

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    A rare early English two-handled wine taster in sterling silver from the reign of Charles II. With a simple plain form and wirework handles. Excellent patina and faint signs of the hand hammered finish. Owners initials inscribed underneath. Weight 27 grams, just under 1 troy ounce. Height 2.2 cm (bowl), 3.5 cm (to top of handle). Diameter of top 6.5 cm. Spread across handles 9.2 cm. London 1683. Maker’s mark “SH” within a heart shaped shield, probably Samuel Hawkes (*see David Mitchell’s book on “Silversmiths in Stuart and Elizabethan England”).

  • Circa 1685 - 1720

    George Manjoy

    9764 Antique Silver Miniature Candle Snuffers

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    A delightful little collector’s piece. A rare antique silver wick trimmer miniature, also called a candle douter. Britannia standard silver*. Weight 6 grams, 0.19 troy ounces. Length 4.8 cm. Width 2.2 cm. Circa 1700. Maker George Manjoy (c.1685-c.1720), specialist toy maker (see Jackson’s Silver & Gold Marks of England, Scotland & Ireland p.141).

  • 1688

     

    8877 Antique James II Silver Tobacco Box

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    A rare early English sterling silver box with lift off top. Simple oval shape and rope borders. This style was popular from the mid 17th century up until the reign of George I. The top has a large hand engraved coat of arms within a decorative cartouche. Weight 120 grams, 3.8 troy ounces. Length 9.2 cms. Width 7.4 cms. Height 2 cms. London 1688. Maker “RH” – see Jacksons page 143*.

  • Circa 1690

    Elizabeth Haslewood

    8255 Antique Norwich Silver Box

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    A rare early antique silver snuff box from the provincial city of Norwich. Attractive rectangular octagonal form with hinged lid hand engraved with a scroll design and initials “JL”. Excellent silver patina. Original gilt interior with a deep colour. Weight 63 grams, 2 troy ounces. Height 1,1 cms. Top 7.25 x 5.25 cms. Marked inside the base with initials for the Norwich lady silversmith Elizabeth Haslewood. Makers mark only, circa 1690.

  • Circa 1690

     

    9150 Antique Silver Chinoiserie Box

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    A rare little early antique silver trinket box with a pull off lid and original gilt interior. The engraved decoration is very charming with Chinese figures, pagodas and garden scenes. Weight 141 cm, 4.5 troy ounces. Height 6 cm. Diameter 9.5 cm. Stamped underneath with a crown and 3 stars over the makers initials “LM”. European, possibly English, circa 1690.

  • Circa 1690

    Mary Elliott

    9630 William & Mary Antique Silver Nutmeg Grater

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    A William and Mary teardrop shape silver nutmeg grater with steel rasp. With a hinged lid either side. One lid is engraved with a tulip flower, the other has no engraving. Weight 37 grams, 1.1 troy ounce. Height 2 cm. Top 4.2 x 3 cm. Spread across the hinge 4.5 cm. Stamped inside of the lids with makers mark only “ME” conjoined between pellets, bird above, cinquefoil below, in lozenge shaped widow’s shield. Probably Mary Elliott. Circa 1690. Mark references Jackson 1989 p.144.04, David Mitchell “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”

  • Circa 1690

     

    9638 William & Mary Antique Silver Miniature Porringer

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    A delightful little collector’s piece. A charming little antique silver cup with two side handles and the tulip decoration typical of the William & Mary period. The body has a border of hand chased fish scale and impressed tulip ornament, the base also has the tulip design within a prick dot circle. This is an exact copy of a full size original. Weight 30 grams, 1 troy ounce. Height 3.3cm, 3.6cm to top of handles. Spread 6.3cm. Diameter 4cm. Unmarked. No makers mark. English. Circa 1690.

  • 1690

     

    9997 William & Mary Antique Silver Nutmeg Grater

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    A charming little late 17th 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

     

    10151 17th Century Antique Silver Counter Box

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    A late 17th century silver counter box of typical cylindrical form with pull-off cover. The lines of hatched engraving resemble that on English silver nutmeg graters circa 1690 and there is a small comical face showing through the border on the lid. Weight 44 grams, 1.4 troy ounces. Height 4.3cm. Diameter 4,.2cm. Unmarked silver. Probably English. Circa 1690.

  • Circa 1695

     

    8202 Antique William III Miniature Silver Coffee Pot

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    A charming little antique silver toy coffee pot. This beautiful little side handle pot has a cylindrical tapering body, a conical lid surmounted by a ball finial, and a low spout akin to those more usually found on a chocolate pot. Engraved to the upper handle are the owner’s initials “C.P”. The pot looks like an exact copy of a full size original and the great attention to detail and slightly larger size than normal toys of this period indicate that it may well have been a traveller’s sample. Contains 20 ml. Weight 60 grams, 1.9 troy ounces. Height 8 cms. Spread 5 cms. Diameter of base 3.5 cms. Marked on the body with makers mark only “WP”* – noted for making toy cups and porringers (see Jacksons Welsh and Unascribed English Provincial section, page 521). Circa 1695.

  • Circa 1700

     

    9593 Antique German Silver Box

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    An antique continental silver box with detachable lid and standing on animal’s paw feet. The box has ribbed detail with gadroon and bead borders, the lid with shell and classical motifs. Weight 256 grams, 8.2 troy ounces. Height 9 cm. Top 13.2 x 9.5 cm. Stamped with German silver marks for Augsburg. Circa 1700.

  • 1701 - 1799

     

    8439 Early Continental Silver Bougie Box

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    An unusual antique silver wax jack, or taper holder, with cut card work and flower decoration to the body. The wax coil would have been contained inside the drum shaped box. Weight 103 grams, 3.3 troy ounces. Height 8.5 cms. Width 7.5 cms (excluding handle). Diameter 7 cms. Marked on the front with an assay scrape, Nuremberg mark and makers mark. 18th century. German.

  • 1702

    Simon Pantin

    3557 Queen Anne Silver Tea Caddies

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    A rare pair of antique Britannia standard* silver tea containers of heavy rectangular design and having engraved armorials and lift off lids. Weight 21 troy ounces. Height 12 cms. Width 8.5 cms. Depth 5 cms. London 1702. By Simon Pantin.

  • 1702

    Richard Syng

    7929 Antique Queen Anne Silver Boxes

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    A very rare matching pair of early antique silver boxes of circular form, with pull off tops, dating from the reign of Queen Anne. Britannia standard silver*. With the typical ribbed decoration of the period and gadroon borders. Uninscribed. Total weight 845 grams, 27.1 troy ounces. Height 10.5 cms. Diameter 12 cms (top), 13.75 cms (base). London 1702. Maker Richard Syng, London.

  • 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.

  • 1707

    Thomas Merry

    10131 Antique Queen Anne Silver Taperstick

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    A charming little antique silver taperstick of plain early design with baluster stem and raised octagonal foot. Cast silver. Britannia standard silver*. Hand engraved on the foot is a lion crest. Weight 127 grams, 4.1 troy ounces. Height 11.8cm. Base diameter 7.7cm. London 1707. Maker Thomas Merry.

  • 1708

    William Fleming

    9443 Antique Miniature Silver Porringer

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    A delightful little collector’s piece. A charming little antique silver cup with two side handles and the typical half ribbed decoration of the Queen Anne period. The body has a border of fish scale and engraved flower ornament. It looks like an exact copy of a full size original. Weight 19 grams, less than 1 troy ounce. Height 3.3cm. Spread 7.5cm. Diameter 4.5cm. London 1708. Maker William Fleming.

  • 1710

    Richard Watts

    9039 Antique Queen Anne Silver Tea Caddy

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    A good quality early English silver caddy of plain rectangular design with canted corners. *Britannia standard silver. The lift off cap doubles as a tea measure. Hand engraved to one side with a crest, to the other there is a decorative monogram. Weight 118 grams, 3.7 troy ounces. Height 16.5 cms. Base 6.2 x 4.2 cms. London 1710. Maker Richard Watts. This box matches #9034 George III tea caddy.

  • 1711

    John Farnell

    8751 Antique Queen Anne Silver Tea Caddy

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    A good early English silver caddy of plain hexagonal design. With sliding top and lift off cap which doubles as a tea measure. Britannia standard silver*. Excellent patina and clear marks. To the base there are some hand engraved initials and the scratch weight. Weight 211 grams, 6.7 troy ounces. Height 13.5 cms. Base 8 x 6 cms. London 1711. Maker John Farnell.

  • Circa 1711

    John Farnell

    7574 Queen Anne Silver Tea Caddy

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    A good early English silver caddy of plain rectangular design with canted corners. With sliding base and lift off cap which doubles as a tea measure. Britannia standard silver. Excellent patina and clear marks. Weight 195 grams, 6.2 troy ounces. Height 13.5 cms. Base 7 x 4 cms. London 1711. Maker John Farnell.

  • 1711

    Thomas Merry

    9497 Queen Anne Silver Taperstick

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    A delightful little antique silver taper stick of plain early design with baluster stem and raised square foot with canted corners. Cast silver. Britannia standard silver*. Weight 104 grams, 3.3 troy ounces. Height 9.5cm. Base diameter 7cm. London 1711. Maker Thomas Merry I.

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