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ID #SA984722
FOR SALE
£590
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18th Century Carved Oak Desk Box with Holly and Bog Oak Inlay
Antique and Unique
for sale €690     $749
£590
Antique and Unique

Antique and Unique

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2023
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Id #SA984722
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18th Century Carved Oak Desk Box with Holly and Bog Oak Inlay

18th century
Description

A large early 18th century antique boarded oak desk box or bible box with sloping lid, with scrolled carving to the front surrounded by an inlaid band of holly, bog oak and fruitwood, and carving to each end.

This large box is absolutely beautiful. The colour and patina of the oak is lovely, and the carving to the front and sides is well executed. The band of inlaid timber on the front panel consist of holly, bog oak, and (we think) a fruitwood. The central metal lock plate and clasp appear to be original, but there is no key. The hinges are old replacements. Internally there is a candle tray on the right hand side.

This could have been a bible box, though is maybe a little large for that, so I think it more likely it was a desk box or table box for keeping documents in.

Condition: There is a repaired area to the inlay on the left hand side and there are a small amount of historic woodworm holes here and there. As mentioned above the hinges are old replacement. Overall though this is in very good condition.

Mainland UK delivery (excluding the Scottish highlands) is included in the price - if you would like a quote for delivery elsewhere, or if you would like to collect the item yourself, please get in touch. Delivery of furniture usually takes between 7 and 21 days from order, though can sometimes take longer. If you need an item by a certain date please speak to us prior to ordering and we’ll try to help.

Physical Dimensions
Height
33cm (12.99")
Width
81.5cm (32.09")
Depth
51cm (20.08")
Declaration

Antique and Unique has dated this Carved Oak Desk Box to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA984722
Dealers Notes

Please note that delivery of all items is included for UK mainland deliveries only. If you are in the EU or the USA smaller/postable items will show a price including delivery. DELIVERY FOR ANY LARGER ITEMS, OR ITEMS OF FURNITURE, IS NOT INCLUDED OUTSIDE OF THE MAINLAND UK. Please get in touch for a quote for delivery, or if you have any queries.

This is an antique item and as such may have signs of wear in accordance with its age. Anything that we think is of note will have been mentioned above, but please study the photos carefully to satisfy yourself as to its condition as it is not possible to list every little mark or flaw. We are happy to provide high resolution photographs or videos if required, and answer any questions you may have - just get in touch! We accept returns for all items providing the item is returned in the same condition as when it was sent. The cost of any return postage or delivery is the responsibility of the buyer, unless the item has arrived damaged or has not been described accurately.

Description
A large early 18th century antique boarded oak desk box or bible box with sloping lid, with scrolled carving to the front surrounded by an inlaid band of holly, bog oak and fruitwood, and carving to each end.
fig 1. An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate.
fig 1. 18th Century Carved Oak Desk Box with Holly and Bog Oak Inlay

This large box is absolutely beautiful. The colour and patina of the oak is lovely, and the carving to the front and sides is well executed. The band of inlaid timber on the front panel consist of holly, bog oak, and (we think) a fruitwood. The central metal lock plate and clasp appear to be original, but there is no key. The hinges are old replacements. Internally there is a candle tray on the right hand side.

“
This could have been a bible box, though is maybe a little large for that, so I think it more likely it was a desk box or table box for keeping documents in.
Antique and Unique
fig 2. An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate.
fig 2. 18th Century Carved Oak Desk Box with Holly and Bog Oak Inlay

Condition: There is a repaired area to the inlay on the left hand side and there are a small amount of historic woodworm holes here and there. As mentioned above the hinges are old replacement. Overall though this is in very good condition.

fig 3. An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate.
fig 3. 18th Century Carved Oak Desk Box with Holly and Bog Oak Inlay

Mainland UK delivery (excluding the Scottish highlands) is included in the price - if you would like a quote for delivery elsewhere, or if you would like to collect the item yourself, please get in touch. Delivery of furniture usually takes between 7 and 21 days from order, though can sometimes take longer. If you need an item by a certain date please speak to us prior to ordering and we’ll try to help.

Height
33cm (12.99")
Width
81.5cm (32.09")
Depth
51cm (20.08")
Date of Manufacture

Antique and Unique has dated this Carved Oak Desk Box to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA984722
Antique and Unique
Antique and Unique
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antique and Unique Profile Page

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An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate.
1 / 19
Archive I An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate.

18th Century Carved Oak Desk Box with Holly and Bog Oak Inlay

Archive II An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View II
Archive III An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View III
Archive IV An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View IV
Archive V An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View V
Archive VI An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View VI
Archive VII An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View VII
Archive VIII An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View VIII
Archive IX An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View IX
Archive X An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View X
Archive XI An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View XI
Archive XII An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View XII
Archive XIII An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View XIII
Archive XIV An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View XIV
Archive XV An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View XV
Archive XVI An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View XVI
Archive XVII An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View XVII
Archive XVIII An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View XVIII
Archive XIX An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate. View XIX
Enlarged Archival View
Antique and Unique

Antique and Unique
Telephone 07813 369871
Location
Unit 2 (Churchwood Design)
Tideswell Business Park
Meveril Road
Tideswell
Derbyshire
SK17 8PY
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/antiqueandunique
Verified Since May 2023
Items For Sale 70
Items Sold 96
Antique and Unique
Antique and Unique
Verified Since May 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Unit 2 (Churchwood Design), Tideswell Business Park, Meveril Road, Tideswell, Derbyshire, SK17 8PY, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/antiqueandunique
Verified
May 2023
For Sale
70
Sold
96
An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate.
18th Century Carved Oak Desk Box with Holly and Bog Oak Inlay
Ref: SA984722
An 18th-century rectangular dark oak desk box featuring carved scrollwork panels, geometric holly and bog oak inlay, and a central iron lock plate.
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Archival Detail

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FAQs

A desk box, also historically known as a bible box or document box, was a portable wooden chest used during the 17th and 18th centuries to store books, correspondence, and writing implements. These containers frequently featured carved faceplates, geometric wood inlays, and iron locking mechanisms.

These items were predominantly constructed from solid oak for durability. Decorative detailing often incorporated contrasting wood inlays, such as pale holly and dark bog oak, alongside hand-forged iron escutcheons and lock plates.

Authentic period pieces display evidence of hand-planed timber, historic joinery techniques, original iron hardware, and natural timber shrinkage over time. The presence of traditional inlay materials, such as holly and bog oak, alongside hand-carved relief patterns further supports period authenticity.

An antique oak desk box functions effectively as a surface accent on an office desk, sideboard, or console table. It provides concealed storage for modern stationery or small items while introducing historical texture into contemporary room schemes.

Maintain the timber by dusting regularly with a dry, lint-free cloth. Apply a high-quality beeswax polish once or twice a year to nourish the wood, taking care to avoid harsh chemical cleaners or excess moisture that could loosen delicate wood inlays.
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