Antique English Oak Country House Post of Letter Box C.1890

Name: Antique English Oak Country House Post of Letter Box C.1890
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA283194
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Puckerings

Description

This is a most unusual letter or post box which would have been from a grand country house, private club or hotel. The box would have sat in the entryway where post would have placed through the slot on the top and collected by a member of staff and then taken to the local Post Office or hand delivered.

Although this one is undoubtedly made in England around 1890, looking at the patent label on the inside, I think it may have been made for the American or Canadian market and has somehow made it's way back to the UK where I purchased it.

The format is most unusual, I haven't had one quite like this ever. One special feature is the original bevelled glass to the front, reverse painted in a glorious red colour with gold edged lettering; this makes this example a particularly decorative piece.

To empty the box, the member of staff would unlock the box (working key included) and remove the letters. Another very unusual feature is the the concealed compartment below. The brass catch is slid along and the front panel can then be lifted to reveal the "secret" compartment below.

The front has the original engraved initials of the original owner.

A handsome piece dating to the Victorian era around 1890. The footprint measures 10 1/2" x 7" and stands 13 1/4" tall at rear.

Item ID: 35841

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Declaration

Puckerings has dated this piece to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA283194

Dealers Internal Reference

35841

Dealers Notes

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Description

This is a most unusual letter or post box which would have been from a grand country house, private club or hotel.

“

The box would have sat in the entryway where post would have placed through the slot on the top and collected by a member of staff and then taken to the local Post Office or hand delivered.

Puckerings

fig 1. Antique English Oak Country House Post of Letter Box c.1890 — fig 1. Antique English Oak Country House Post of Letter Box C.1890

Although this one is undoubtedly made in England around 1890, looking at the patent label on the inside, I think it may have been made for the American or Canadian market and has somehow made it's way back to the UK where I purchased it.

fig 2. Antique English Oak Country House Post of Letter Box c.1890 — fig 2. Antique English Oak Country House Post of Letter Box C.1890

The format is most unusual, I haven't had one quite like this ever. One special feature is the original bevelled glass to the front, reverse painted in a glorious red colour with gold edged lettering; this makes this example a particularly decorative piece.

fig 3. Antique English Oak Country House Post of Letter Box c.1890 — fig 3. Antique English Oak Country House Post of Letter Box C.1890

To empty the box, the member of staff would unlock the box (working key included) and remove the letters. Another very unusual feature is the the concealed compartment below. The brass catch is slid along and the front panel can then be lifted to reveal the "secret" compartment below.