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ID #SA1103966
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A Novelty Antique Book Box
Sold by Opus Antiques
sold SA1103966
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Opus Antiques

Opus Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2014
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    Antique treen, boxes & decorative georgian items
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A Novelty Antique Book Box

19th century
Sold 14 April 2025 · Opus Antiques
This “Novelty Antique Book Box” 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 box looks like a set of leather bound books on a oak book carrier. The spines of the books form the lid, with storage below. There is a brass trade label inside, Walter Thornhill & Co. The firm was founded by Joseph Gibbs in 1774, it became cutlers to the Queen in the 1830's. From the 1870's the company traded as Walter Thornhill & Co. until 1912 from New Bond Street London, as manufacturers and dealers in gold, jewellery, travelling bags, cases and boxes.

This box measures 33cm w x 15cm w x 16.5cm h.

Date of Manufacture

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1103966
Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description
This box looks like a set of leather bound books on a oak book carrier. The spines of the books form the lid, with storage below. There is a brass trade label inside, Walter Thornhill & Co. The firm was founded by Joseph Gibbs in 1774, it became cutlers to the Queen in the 1830's. From the 1870's the company traded as Walter Thornhill & Co.
“
 until 1912 from New Bond Street London, as manufacturers and dealers in gold, jewellery, travelling bags, cases and boxes.
Opus Antiques

This box measures 33cm w x 15cm w x 16.5cm h.

Date of Manufacture

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1103966
Opus Antiques
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 box designed to resemble a row of bound books, featuring carved upright supports at each end and a small metal key inserted in the front. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A rectangular wooden box designed to resemble a row of bound books, featuring carved upright supports at each end and a small metal key inserted in the front. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

A Novelty Antique Book Box

Archive II A rectangular wooden box designed to resemble a row of bound books, featuring carved upright supports at each end and a small metal key inserted in the front. View II
Archive III A rectangular wooden box designed to resemble a row of bound books, featuring carved upright supports at each end and a small metal key inserted in the front. View III
Archive IV A rectangular wooden box designed to resemble a row of bound books, featuring carved upright supports at each end and a small metal key inserted in the front. View IV
Archive V A rectangular wooden box designed to resemble a row of bound books, featuring carved upright supports at each end and a small metal key inserted in the front. View V
Archive VI A rectangular wooden box designed to resemble a row of bound books, featuring carved upright supports at each end and a small metal key inserted in the front. View VI
Archive VII A rectangular wooden box designed to resemble a row of bound books, featuring carved upright supports at each end and a small metal key inserted in the front. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Opus Antiques

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 98
Items Sold 2,404
Opus Antiques
Opus Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: North Devon, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/opusantiques
Verified
Oct 2014
For Sale
98
Sold
2,404
A rectangular wooden box designed to resemble a row of bound books, featuring carved upright supports at each end and a small metal key inserted in the front.
A Novelty Antique Book Box
Ref: SA1103966
A rectangular wooden box designed to resemble a row of bound books, featuring carved upright supports at each end and a small metal key inserted in the front.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Boxes
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian & Gothic
  • MaterialOak
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsImitation book spines, Cut-out handle supports, Fitted metal key

FAQs

Novelty book boxes gained popularity in the 19th century as decorative containers designed to resemble leather-bound volumes, often used on desks or in libraries to conceal valuables or stationery.

These pieces are typically constructed from solid hardwoods like oak, mahogany, or pine, featuring carved or moulded spines, dovetailed joints, and fitted metal hardware such as locks and hinges.

Authenticity is determined by examining the ageing of the wood, hand-cut joinery, period-appropriate lock mechanisms, and genuine wear patterns rather than artificial distressing.

Position the piece on a mantelpiece, bookshelf, or coffee table to add textural interest and a layer of scholarly charm to the scheme.

Maintain the wood by avoiding direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity, applying microcrystalline wax periodically to nourish the surface without damaging the finish.
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