Sold 16 March 2026 · Opus Antiques

This “Antique Alphabet Box with Bone Tiles” found a buyer.

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

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Description

This lovely 19th century antique alphabet box has a chamfered lid with a bone tile inset into the lid unusually decorated with flowers and the words SPELLING ALPHABET on it.

Inside the box are 52 bone tiles which are double sided with upper and lower case letters on either side.

These letters were used as an educational tool to learn the alphabet.

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Spelling Box to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1194954

Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description

This lovely 19th century antique alphabet box has a chamfered lid with a bone tile inset into the lid unusually decorated with flowers and the words SPELLING ALPHABET on it.

“

Inside the box are 52 bone tiles which are double sided with upper and lower case letters on either side.

Opus Antiques

These letters were used as an educational tool to learn the alphabet.

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Spelling Box to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1194954

About the Dealer

Opus Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2014

Antique treen, boxes & decorative georgian items

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Opus Antiques Profile Page

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A rectangular wooden spelling box featuring a decorative ceramic or bone label on the lid with floral borders and text reading SPELLING ALPHABET.

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Antique Alphabet Box with Bone Tiles

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Opus Antiques

Telephone 07941 285 532

Location

North Devon
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/opusantiques

Verified Since Oct 2014

Items For Sale 99

Items Sold 2,403

Email Opus Antiques

Antique Alphabet Box with bone tiles

Ref: SA1194954

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Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectDecorative Boxes
Period19th century
StyleVictorian & Gothic
MaterialWood, Bone
ColourWarm Brown
MotifsFloral border, Hand-lettered label, Moulded wooden frame

FAQs

Alphabet and spelling boxes gained popularity during the Georgian and Victorian periods as educational tools for children of affluent families to practice literacy at home.

These boxes were typically handcrafted from native or exotic hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, or oak, while the internal letter tiles were often carved from bone, ivory, or boxwood.

Authenticity is determined by hand-cut dovetail joints, hand-carved or stamped lettering on bone or wood tiles, appropriate patination of the timber, and traditional manufacturing methods consistent with the 18th or 19th centuries.

Place the box closed or slightly open on a study desk, library bookshelf, or side table to add a layer of historic character, scholarly charm, and textural contrast to modern schemes.

Keep the item away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity levels. Clean the exterior gently with a dry, soft cloth, and avoid applying modern chemical polishes or water to the delicate bone tiles.