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Set of Nine 19th Century Specimen Butterfly Collection Boxes
Sold by Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd
sold SA1118485
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd

Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2018
Browse dealers 148 items
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Id #SA1118485
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Set of Nine 19th Century Specimen Butterfly Collection Boxes

19th century
Sold 7 February 2025 · Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd
This “Set of Nine 19th Century Specimen Butterfly Collection Boxes” found a buyer.

It was listed by Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

An Attractive and Interesting Set of Nine 19th Century Display Boxes Full of Butterfly Specimens.

Housed in nine ebonised trays with wall hanging fittings, these butterfly specimens are highly decorative. Collections of this sort were formed by connoisseur collectors in the 19th century as an interest in natural history became more widespread.

Some of the specimens contained in these displays include the king swallowtail, found exclusively in North and South America, the Ulysses butterfly from Australasia, the rusty tipped page and the blushing phantom. The presence of these exotic specimens show that the collection belonged either to someone who had travelled widely in search of such pieces or someone with links to the scientific community who could call upon friends to bring specimens back to Britain for mounting.

Date of Manufacture

Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd has dated these Antique Butterfly Specimen Boxes to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
41cm (16.14")
Width
47cm (18.50")
Depth
6.5cm (2.56")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1118485
Dealers Internal Reference
3627
Description
An Attractive and Interesting Set of Nine 19th Century Display Boxes Full of Butterfly Specimens.
“
Housed in nine ebonised trays with wall hanging fittings, these butterfly specimens are highly decorative.
Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd

Collections of this sort were formed by connoisseur collectors in the 19th century as an interest in natural history became more widespread.

fig 1. A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds.
fig 1. Set of Nine 19th Century Specimen Butterfly Collection Boxes

Some of the specimens contained in these displays include the king swallowtail, found exclusively in North and South America, the Ulysses butterfly from Australasia, the rusty tipped page and the blushing phantom. The presence of these exotic specimens show that the collection belonged either to someone who had travelled widely in search of such pieces or someone with links to the scientific community who could call upon friends to bring specimens back to Britain for mounting.

Date of Manufacture

Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd has dated these Antique Butterfly Specimen Boxes to the 19th Century.

Height
41cm (16.14")
Width
47cm (18.50")
Depth
6.5cm (2.56")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1118485
Dealers Internal Ref
3627
Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd
Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2018
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd Profile Page

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A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 12
Archive I A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Set of Nine 19th Century Specimen Butterfly Collection Boxes

Archive II A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. View II
Archive III A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. View III
Archive IV A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. View IV
Archive V A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. View V
Archive VI A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. View VI
Archive VII A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. View VII
Archive VIII A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. View VIII
Archive IX A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. View IX
Archive X A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. View X
Archive XI A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. View XI
Archive XII A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Location
Lodge Farm
Walton Lane
Husbands Bosworth
Leicestershire
LE17 6NN
United Kingdom

By appointment only
Verified Since Nov 2018
Items For Sale 148
Items Sold 1,023
Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd
Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd
Verified Since Nov 2018
View Dealer Info
Location: Lodge Farm, Walton Lane, Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire, LE17 6NN, United Kingdom, , By appointment only
Verified
Nov 2018
For Sale
148
Sold
1,023
A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds.
Set of Nine 19th Century Specimen Butterfly Collection Boxes
Ref: SA1118485
A set of nine black-framed antique glass boxes containing arranged rows of preserved butterfly specimens against white paper backgrounds.
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectWall Art
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian & Gothic
  • MaterialWood, Glass, Paper, Insect Specimen
  • ColourBlack
  • MotifsGlass front frames, Grid arrangement, Pinned insect rows
  • SizeH 41 cm (16 in) x W 47 cm (19 in) x D 6.5 cm (3 in)

During the nineteenth century, natural history became a popular hobby and scientific pursuit, leading enthusiasts to collect, mount, and display classified insect specimens in bespoke wooden cases.

These display boxes were typically constructed using fine hardwoods such as mahogany or ebony, featuring glass viewing panels, paper-lined backing boards, and secure pin mountings for the insects.

Authentic period pieces often exhibit hand-cut timber joints, aged handmade paper linings, oxidized brass pins, and original glass showing subtle imperfections such as bubbles and waviness.

These pieces function effectively as focal wall art within a study or living area, pairing well with dark academic aesthetics, gallery walls, and minimalist neutral backdrops that highlight the intricate natural details.

To preserve fragile specimens, display boxes must be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, maintained in stable humidity conditions, and sealed tightly to protect against insect pests.
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