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ID #SA1112742
FOR SALE
£3,250
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Georgian Mahogany Pair of Knife Boxes
S and S Timms Antiques Ltd
for sale €3,803     $4,128
£3,250
S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2007
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    S and S Timms Antiques Ltd is a registered member of LAPADA  BADA  CINOA
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Id #SA1112742
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Georgian Mahogany Pair of Knife Boxes

18th century
Description

A Very Good Quality, 18th Century, George III Period, Mahogany Pair Of Knife, Or Cutlery, Boxes Of Typical Shape With Serpentine Fronts And Superbly Figured, Inlaid And Crossbanded Sloped Lids, Revealing Later Fabric Lined Interior Compartments.

Cutlery boxes, or as they are now more commonly referred to, Knife boxes, were of course originally made with the purpose of housing the homes most precious and valuable cutlery and enable it to be locked away when not in use. This was very important as generally the cutlery used by wealthy homes in the 18th and early 19th centuries would be extremely expensive to purchase, utilising materials like silver and bone in its construction.

They nearly always came in pairs and were nearly always found standing proudly atop the serving table, or sideboard in the dining room. Often there would be two pairs, one for serving utensils and one for eating utensils, which is why you often find a whole variety of different sized slots contained within their interior fittings.

This particular pair of cutlery boxes have had their interiors totally removed at some point in their past however. And they have then been lined with a suede type fabric, which could easily be changed for something different should one wish, which we think actually helps to give the boxes far more of a purpose and function. It means there is a signifcant amount of storage space available within them which could be utilised for any manner of items which one requires relatively easy access to.

Its also worth noting how well figured the mahogany timber is and what a nice colour they have retained. The inlaid and strung decoration is particularly well executed and they are really just extremely attractive. They also come with working locks and keys and have been given a natual wax polish before being offered for sale.

Circa 1790.

Height 14in.

Width 8.75in.

Depth 13.75in.

Declaration

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd has dated these Georgian Mahogany Knife Boxes to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1112742
Dealers Internal Reference
7305
Dealers Notes

A Careful Selection Of High Quality Town And Country Furniture For The Home From The 17th, 18th, 19th And Early 20th Centuries.

Members Of BADA, LAPADA & CINOA.

UK Delivery Available At Reasonable Rates.

Worldwide Shipping Arranged.

Description
A Very Good Quality, 18th Century, George III Period, Mahogany Pair Of Knife, Or Cutlery, Boxes Of Typical Shape With Serpentine Fronts And Superbly Figured, Inlaid And Crossbanded Sloped Lids, Revealing Later Fabric Lined Interior Compartments.
fig 1. A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons.
fig 1. Georgian Mahogany Pair of Knife Boxes

Cutlery boxes, or as they are now more commonly referred to, Knife boxes, were of course originally made with the purpose of housing the homes most precious and valuable cutlery and enable it to be locked away when not in use. This was very important as generally the cutlery used by wealthy homes in the 18th and early 19th centuries would be extremely expensive to purchase, utilising materials like silver and bone in its construction.

“
They nearly always came in pairs and were nearly always found standing proudly atop the serving table, or sideboard in the dining room.
S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

Often there would be two pairs, one for serving utensils and one for eating utensils, which is why you often find a whole variety of different sized slots contained within their interior fittings.

fig 2. A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons.
fig 2. Georgian Mahogany Pair of Knife Boxes

This particular pair of cutlery boxes have had their interiors totally removed at some point in their past however. And they have then been lined with a suede type fabric, which could easily be changed for something different should one wish, which we think actually helps to give the boxes far more of a purpose and function. It means there is a signifcant amount of storage space available within them which could be utilised for any manner of items which one requires relatively easy access to.

fig 3. A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons.
fig 3. Georgian Mahogany Pair of Knife Boxes

Its also worth noting how well figured the mahogany timber is and what a nice colour they have retained. The inlaid and strung decoration is particularly well executed and they are really just extremely attractive. They also come with working locks and keys and have been given a natual wax polish before being offered for sale.

Circa 1790.

Height 14in.

Width 8.75in.

Depth 13.75in.

Date of Manufacture

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd has dated these Georgian Mahogany Knife Boxes to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1112742
Dealers Internal Ref
7305
S and S Timms Antiques Ltd
S and S Timms Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2007
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the S and S Timms Antiques Ltd Profile Page

Trade Associations

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd is a registered member of LAPADA  BADA  CINOA

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SAVE
A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons.
1 / 11
Archive I A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons.

Georgian Mahogany Pair of Knife Boxes

Archive II A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons. View II
Archive III A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons. View III
Archive IV A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons. View IV
Archive V A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons. View V
Archive VI A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons. View VI
Archive VII A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons. View IX
Archive X A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons. View X
Archive XI A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons. View XI
Enlarged Archival View
S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd
Telephone 01525 719300 or 07801 428701 (24 HRS)
Location
PO BOX 813
Ampthill
Bedfordshire
MK45 9AW
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/ss
Verified Since Sep 2007
Items For Sale 287
Items Sold 9
S and S Timms Antiques Ltd
S and S Timms Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Sep 2007
View Dealer Info
Location: PO BOX 813, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45 9AW, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/ss
Verified
Sep 2007
For Sale
287
Sold
9
A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons.
Georgian Mahogany Pair Of Knife Boxes
Ref: SA1112742
A pair of Georgian mahogany knife boxes featuring sloping lids with inlaid shell motifs, serpentine fronts, and metal keyhole escutcheons.
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Archival Detail

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FAQs

Georgian knife boxes were designed in the late 18th century to hold silver cutlery vertically in individual slotted fittings. Placed on sideboards in formal dining rooms, they served as both secure storage and a display of wealth during dinner service.

These vessels were typically constructed with a solid pine or oak core veneered in dense West Indian or South American mahogany. Decorative details often featured satinwood or boxwood shell inlays, barber-pole stringing, and silver or silver-plated metal escutcheons.

Authentic pieces display hand-cut dovetail joints along the base, natural shrink lines in the timber veneer, and hand-fitted interior slotted inserts. Look for original brass or silver hardware with light patination and evidence of hand-carved serpentine or slanted construction.

Pairing these boxes symmetrically on a dining room sideboard, entry console, or wide fireplace mantel adds height and historical structure. They can be displayed closed as sculptural accents or left open to show internal fittings converted for stationery or desktop organisation.

Dust regularly using a dry microfibre cloth and apply a thin layer of natural beeswax paste annually to preserve the wood lustre. Keep the items away from direct sunlight and radiators to prevent wood shrinkage, veneer cracking, or fading of the inlaid marquetry.
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