What items are typically found inside an antique compendium box?

These boxes generally contain folding boards for chess and backgammon, card decks, cribbage boards, and occasionally bone playing pieces. Larger versions integrate stationery compartments, inkwells, stamps, or crystal decanters for spirits.

How do I date an antique compendium box?

Dating relies on timber choices like coromandel or pollard oak, combined with construction traits such as brass lever locks and velvet linings. Victorian pieces often feature heavy rosewood and intricate brass work, while Edwardian versions lean towards golden oak and simpler stationery storage.

Were these boxes meant for travel?

Some compact folding or travelling variants were built for journeys, housing bone chess sets or card games in secure leather-bound cases. However, the majority of compendiums and tantalus sets served as stationary parlour or smoking room fixtures for country houses.

How should I care for the wood and interior linings?

Maintain the timber carcase with appropriate furniture wax, avoiding excessive moisture on exposed veneers and brass mounts. Protect original velvet or leather interiors by keeping the box away from direct sunlight and humidity.

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Antique Compendium Box

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An antique compendium box brings together games, writing materials, and drinks in a single fitted case designed for Victorian and Edwardian leisure.

Good and Large Three Decanter Tantalus Circa 1900

1900 - 1920

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Good and Large Three Decanter Tantalus Circa 1900

From Frank Craig Antiques

£950

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

19th century

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Card Games Box in Rosewood

From Jane Short Antiques

£325

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

A Splendid and Unusual Late Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Stationery Cabinet

1900 - 1920

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A Splendid and Unusual Late Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Stationery Cabinet

From The Dorking Desk Shop

£675

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

Antique Victoran Coromandel Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games Circa 1870

19th century

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Antique Victoran Coromandel Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games Circa 1870

From Regent Antiques

£2,400

3+ MONTHS AGO

glass

Antique Coromandel Writing / Stationary Cabinet by Houghton and Gunn Dated 1878

19th century

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Antique Coromandel Writing / Stationary Cabinet by Houghton and Gunn Dated 1878

From Regent Antiques

£2,350

3+ MONTHS AGO

cabinets

Antique Country House Parlour Game Case, English, Oak, Organiser Box, Victorian

19th century

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Antique Country House Parlour Game Case, English, Oak, Organiser Box, Victorian

From London Fine Antiques

£895

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

19th century

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Oak Stationery Box

From Andros Antiques

£325

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

19th century

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19th Century Golden Oak Humidor

From Elmgarden

£690

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

Fine Antique Staunton Chess Set by F. H. Ayres, Circa 1890

19th century

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Fine Antique Staunton Chess Set by F. H. Ayres, Circa 1890

From Luke Honey Ltd

£3,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Hermes, Paris - Equestrian Sterling Silver Smoking Compendium C.1960

1940 - 1960

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Hermes, Paris - Equestrian Sterling Silver Smoking Compendium C.1960

From Puckerings

£3,000

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

Listings feature pieces spanning the Victorian and Edwardian periods, employing materials such as brass, oak, mahogany, bone, silver plate, leather, wood, and glass.