Circa 1920 Leather Stationery Box - Antique Book Form Design
Deceptive charm, functional elegance, and early 20th-century craftsmanship
Date: Circa 1920
Design: Book form, imitating a row of antique leather-bound volumes with gilt-style tooling
Material: Tan leather exterior with attractive, naturally aged patina
Function: Hinged front panel reveals a fitted interior with stationery compartments and a small drawer
Style: Traditional early 20th-century decorative design
Condition: Very good antique condition — light surface wear consistent with age
Display: Ideal as a bookshelf feature or practical desk accessory
Dimensions: H: 21cm (8.3'') | W: 32cm (12.6'') | D: 18cm (7.1'')
Delivery: Not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote feature next to the ‘Add to Basket’ tab before completing your order
Heritage, Craftsmanship & Authentic Character
This early 20th-century stationery box carries all the wit and refinement of its era - a trompe-l’śil
... masterpiece appearing at first glance to be a well-loved run of leather-bound classics. Only on opening the hinged “spines” does its secret reveal itself: a fitted interior complete with compartments and a neat pull-out drawer for pens, letters, and other desk essentials. The mellow tan leather has developed a supple sheen over a century, while fine spine tooling and mock titles add to the deception.
Visual Details
Photographs show the convincingly modelled book spines, complete with embossed titles and gilt-style bands, their leather surfaces gently worn to a soft gloss. The hinged front lifts to reveal a cleanly finished interior with divided storage and a sliding drawer - a rare and pleasing extra. The patina varies subtly across the “volumes,” suggesting many years of careful use and making the disguise all the more engaging.
Styling Suggestions
Tuck it among genuine volumes on a bookshelf for a hidden-in-plain-sight conversation piece
Use on a desk as an organiser with an air of bibliophile mischief
Position in an entrance hall for keys, post, or daily essentials - revealed with a flourish
Present as a thoughtful gift for a writer, reader, or collector of fine desk accessories
Sustainability
Opting for an original period piece keeps early 20th-century craftsmanship in use, reduces waste, and preserves materials and techniques seldom replicated in mass production. This is both an aesthetic and environmental decision - and an essential act in keeping traditional skills alive. Without demand for restoration and conservation, the mastercraftsmen capable of such work will become increasingly rare, making it harder to keep historic and beautiful pieces in circulation and in good condition.
We do not include delivery in our prices as this is dependent upon many factors such as whether it is mainland or overseas. The following options are available to you:-
• You can arrange your own collection from our address
• You can fill in the delivery request option
• You can email us for further information if there is more than one item
• Proovia Delivery offer a 2 man delivery system
Internal Reference: AS020
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1163292
Dateline of this antique is 1920
Height is 21cm (8.3inches)Width is 32cm (12.6inches)Depth is 18cm (7.1inches)
Thank you.
Your comment has been sent to Sellingantiques.