Search 0
2,133  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 0 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
LATEST STOCK
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1200323
FOR SALE
£850
Email
Save
Fine Tunbridge Fitted Sewing Box
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
for sale €995     $1,080
£850
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2012
View Dealers Stock Page
  • About Us
    Fine antiques at sensible prices
Relevant Links
Id #SA1200323
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Fine Tunbridge Fitted Sewing Box

19th century
Description

A good mid/late 19th century Tunbridge-ware SEWING BOX complete with its full set of contents and a number of interesting additional sewing items. The box itself is profusely decorated with typical Tunbridge marquetry to all sides and surrounding a central panel of a marquetry butterfly to the lid. This opens to reveal the original contents, which include: full set of six Tun-ware cotton reels; seven rosewood cotton winders; Tun-ware tape measure; turned thimble; Tun-ware needle case and central tool pad with crochet hook; stiletto and small steel scissors.

Underneath can be found various extra items, some clearly not original. These include: two Tun-ware marquetry winders; two extra Tun-ware needle cases; couple of penknives; silver needle case; commemorative thimble and an interesting tape measure with lens magnifying scene to the top. All in excellent condition, apart from a little wear to the pincushion (extreme left front). 22 x 15 x 11cms. circa 1870-85. *No ivory present in this box. The tool handles and little knob are bone; the two extra small penknives have plastic covers; the unusual extra tape measure (with magnifying lens scene) is of "marine" (i.e. vegetable) ivory.

NB.*** Please note that this good Tunbridge-ware box is not on view in the shop; for further details telephone 07860 818212 or e-mail in the normal way.

Physical Dimensions
Height
11cm (4.33")
Width
22cm (8.66")
Depth
15cm (5.91")
Declaration

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1200323
Dealers Internal Reference
5488/k
Dealers Notes

Shop Open: 10.00am - 6.00pm Monday-Saturday (Closed Sundays)

Description
A good mid/late 19th century Tunbridge-ware SEWING BOX complete with its full set of contents and a number of interesting additional sewing items.
“
The box itself is profusely decorated with typical Tunbridge marquetry to all sides and surrounding a central panel of a marquetry butterfly to the lid.
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

This opens to reveal the original contents, which include: full set of six Tun-ware cotton reels; seven rosewood cotton winders; Tun-ware tape measure; turned thimble; Tun-ware needle case and central tool pad with crochet hook; stiletto and small steel scissors.

fig 1. An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools.
fig 1. Fine Tunbridge Fitted Sewing Box

Underneath can be found various extra items, some clearly not original. These include: two Tun-ware marquetry winders; two extra Tun-ware needle cases; couple of penknives; silver needle case; commemorative thimble and an interesting tape measure with lens magnifying scene to the top. All in excellent condition, apart from a little wear to the pincushion (extreme left front). 22 x 15 x 11cms. circa 1870-85. *No ivory present in this box. The tool handles and little knob are bone; the two extra small penknives have plastic covers; the unusual extra tape measure (with magnifying lens scene) is of "marine" (i.e. vegetable) ivory.

NB.*** Please note that this good Tunbridge-ware box is not on view in the shop; for further details telephone 07860 818212 or e-mail in the normal way.

Height
11cm (4.33")
Width
22cm (8.66")
Depth
15cm (5.91")
Date of Manufacture

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1200323
Dealers Internal Ref
5488/k
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2012

Fine antiques at sensible prices

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Quiet Street Antiques of Bath Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools.
1 / 8
Archive I An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools.

Fine Tunbridge Fitted Sewing Box

Archive II An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools. View II
Archive III An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools. View III
Archive IV An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools. View IV
Archive V An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools. View V
Archive VI An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools. View VI
Archive VII An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools. View VII
Archive VIII An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Telephone 01225 315 727 or 07980 951198
Location
Quiet Street Antiques
3 Quiet Street
Bath
BA1 2JS
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/quietstreetbath
Verified Since Apr 2012
Items For Sale 159
Items Sold 2,512
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Verified Since Apr 2012
View Dealer Info
Location: Quiet Street Antiques, 3 Quiet Street, Bath, BA1 2JS , United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/quietstreetbath
Verified
Apr 2012
For Sale
159
Sold
2,512
An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools.
FINE TUNBRIDGE FITTED SEWING BOX
Ref: SA1200323
An open Victorian rosewood sewing box featuring geometric Tunbridge ware mosaic inlay, a pink silk interior, and fitted compartments containing sewing tools.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

FAQs

Tunbridge ware is a form of decorative woodwork developed in Kent during the 18th and 19th centuries, reaching peak popularity in the Victorian era. It features complex geometric or pictorial mosaics constructed from thin strips of differently coloured natural woods assembled into intricate patterns.

Craftsmen utilised various natural timbers including rosewood, walnut, holly, yew, sycamore, and plum to achieve distinct colour variations without artificial dyes. These woods were cut into tiny square strips, glued into blocks, and sliced crosswise to create veneer panels for boxes and small items.

Authentic pieces feature end-grain wooden mosaic veneers displaying tessellated geometric bands, floral motifs, or topological views. They often possess original fitted interiors with compartmentalised trays, matching inlaid bobbins, and pink or blue silk linings typical of the period.

Position an open or closed wooden workbox on a sideboard top, bookshelf, or dressing table as a decorative focal point. The rich wood tones and historic textiles add texture and warmth to traditional and contemporary rooms alike.

Keep wooden boxes away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent the timber veneers from lifting or warping. Dust gently with a dry microfibre cloth and apply a clear beeswax polish sparingly to protect the wood finish while avoiding silk linings.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Movements
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Freshness
Online Payments
Categories