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ID #SA1221023
FOR SALE
£185
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1850-1870 Papier-mâché Writing Box/ Stationery Cabinet
For sale by Heavenly Antiques
for sale €216     $235
£185

Heavenly Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2026
Browse dealers 81 items
  • About Us
    Specialists in antique furntire and decorative antiques from 17th to the 19th century
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Id #SA1221023
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1850-1870 Papier-mâché Writing Box/ Stationery Cabinet

19th century
Description

A Victorian papier-mâché writing box or stationery cabinet, circa 1850–1870, of substantial rectangular form, decorated throughout with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilt scrolling ornament on a black lacquer ground. The hinged lid enclosing a red velvet-lined interior with stationery compartments, raised on a moulded plinth base with shaped feet. Dimensions: 37 cm wide, 31 cm deep, 17 cm high. Condition: age-related wear, losses to lacquer and gilding, damage to one foot/base corner, and missing interior writing fittings and accessories.

Declaration

Heavenly Antiques has dated this Victorian Papier Mache Box to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1221023
Dealers Notes

Open 6 days a week Tuesday to Saturday 10AM - 5PM and 11AM to 4PM on Sundays

The Cow Shed Collective

Crowmarsh Hill

Crowmarsh Gifford

Wallingford

OX10 8BG

Follow us on Instagram @thecowshedcollective

Follow us on Facebook The Cow Shed Collective

Stocking a wide array of antique furniture and decorative antiques from the 17th century to early 20th century

You can Whatsapp video us to view any piece on either +447882521185 or +7710106462

We accept payment via bank transfer, card or cash

We ship worldwide, for international enquires please whatsapp us in the first instance

Description
A Victorian papier-mâché writing box or stationery cabinet, circa 1850–1870, of substantial rectangular form, decorated throughout with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilt scrolling ornament on a black lacquer ground.
“
The hinged lid enclosing a red velvet-lined interior with stationery compartments, raised on a moulded plinth base with shaped feet.
Heavenly Antiques

Dimensions: 37 cm wide, 31 cm deep, 17 cm high. Condition: age-related wear, losses to lacquer and gilding, damage to one foot/base corner, and missing interior writing fittings and accessories.

Date of Manufacture

Heavenly Antiques has dated this Victorian Papier Mache Box to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1221023
Heavenly Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2026

Specialists in antique furntire and decorative antiques from 17th to the 19th century

Dealer Profile

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

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Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details.
1 / 12
Archive I Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details.

1850-1870 Papier-mâché Writing Box/ Stationery Cabinet

Archive II Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details. View II
Archive III Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details. View III
Archive IV Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details. View IV
Archive V Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details. View V
Archive VI Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details. View VI
Archive VII Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details. View VII
Archive VIII Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details. View VIII
Archive IX Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details. View IX
Archive X Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details. View X
Archive XI Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details. View XI
Archive XII Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details. View XII
Enlarged Archival View

Heavenly Antiques
Telephone 01491 905679
Location
The Cow Shed Collective
Crowmarsh Hill
Wallingford
Oxfordshire
OX10 8BG
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/heavenlyantiques
Verified Since May 2026
Items For Sale 81
Items Sold 45
Heavenly Antiques
Verified Since May 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: The Cow Shed Collective , Crowmarsh Hill, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BG, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/heavenlyantiques
Verified
May 2026
For Sale
81
Sold
45
Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details.
1850-1870 Papier-mâché Writing Box/ Stationery Cabinet
Ref: SA1221023
Black lacquered mid-Victorian papier-mache writing box decorated with mother-of-pearl floral inlay and gilded painted details.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectWriting Boxes
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialPapier-mache, Mother-of-pearl, Lacquer
  • ColourBlack
  • MotifsMother-of-pearl inlay, Floral gilding, Lacquered finish

This Victorian papier-mâché writing box or stationery cabinet, dating from the mid-19th century between 1850 and 1870, takes a substantial rectangular form with a black lacquer finish. The hinged lid displays an iridescent mother-of-pearl floral inlay alongside delicate gilt scrolling ornament and gold painted borders. The base incorporates a moulded plinth raised on distinct shaped corner feet. The top surface shows visible age-related wear with losses to the lacquer and gilding, while the visible base corner exhibits noticeable damage and repair work. Measuring 37 cm wide, 31 cm deep, and 17 cm high, the cabinet functions as a decorative accessory for an office desk or study table, suitable for holding correspondence, stationery, or small desk accessories within its red velvet-lined interior compartments.

FAQs

A Victorian papier-mache writing box is a desktop correspondence cabinet or slope produced during the mid-nineteenth century. These boxes were manufactured using layers of paper treated with heat and lacquer, decorated with painted motifs or shell inlay, and designed to store writing paper, pens, and ink.

Nineteenth-century papier-mache items were constructed by pressing paper sheets or pulp into moulds, baking them, and applying multiple coats of black varnish. Decorative details were added using hand-painted gilding, botanical motifs, and thin slices of iridescent shell or mother-of-pearl inserted before final polishing.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit a dense weight, fine craquelure or light surface wear in the black lacquer finish, and hand-applied gilding. The underside or interiors often show aged paper textures, and original hinges or lock plates usually show natural patination and period-appropriate screws.

An antique writing cabinet can be displayed as a central decorative object on an office desk, console table, or bookshelf. Placing the piece alongside contemporary desktop stationery or minimal modern lighting creates a balanced contrast between historical craftsmanship and current design.

Papier-mache items require preservation in a dry environment with constant temperature to prevent warping or lacquer flaking. Dusting should be performed with a soft microfibre cloth, avoiding water or chemical polishes that can degrade the lacquer layer and loosen the shell inlay.
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