How do I care for wooden boxes?

Keep wooden boxes away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature changes to prevent the timber and veneers from drying out or splitting. Apply a microcrystalline wax occasionally to nourish the surface and maintain the sheen of the polish.

Were these boxes used for tea?

Many surviving examples functioned as tea caddies to store expensive imported leaves safely under lock and key. Inside, you will often find divided compartments or removable metal cannisters designed for different tea varieties.

Examine the secondary woods inside the box, the style of the brass hinges, and the construction methods used on the drawers and joinery. Period characteristics like Regency brass inlay or Victorian papier-mâché provide clear indicators of the era of manufacture.

Can I use them for modern storage?

These boxes adapt easily to modern desks and dressing tables for holding jewellery, stationery, or small keepsakes. Their robust construction and fitted compartments make them practical daily storage objects.