Antique Crested Box
An antique crested box carries a coat of arms, monogram or motto, marking family pride in sterling silver, crystal or mahogany.
Antique Crested Box
When you search for an antique crested box, you are looking at small personal containers and larger receptacles bearing engraved heraldic crests, coronets, or mottoes. These pieces range from Georgian snuff boxes and tobacco boxes to Victorian trinket boxes and Edwardian vesta cases.
You are most likely to meet sterling silver snuff boxes and trinket boxes on this page, originating from Georgian and Victorian workshops. They combine practical storage for tobacco, snuff, or small valuables with detailed heraldic engraving.
Materials and construction
Enamel work adds colour to silver vesta cases and commemorative keys, contrasting with the polished metal surfaces. Maker marks and crests are hand-engraved or punched directly into the metal bodies.
Antique Crested Box Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for crested box among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings span periods from the eighteenth century to the mid-twentieth century, featuring materials such as sterling silver, velvet, mahogany, and cut crystal.
Quality factors
The clarity and crispness of the hand-engraved crest separate standard utility boxes from superior presentation pieces. Deep floral chasing and well-preserved silver gilt elevate the piece.
The weight of the silver, the smoothness of the hinge action, and the integrity of internal velvet or glass linings define the manufacturing standard.
Cornelius Bland·Joseph Willmore·Jonathan Douglas·Reid and Summers·E Cornock·James Phipps I·John Hillery·Jane Brownett Alexander Jones·Taye Kenning and Spencer Ltd
The Antique Crested Box Glossary
- Crest
- A specific heraldic device belonging to a family, usually displayed above a shield or motto on engraved silver.
- Silver Gilt
- Sterling silver that has been coated with a thin layer of gold, providing a rich interior or exterior finish.
- Vesta Case
- A small pocket container designed to hold matches, frequently fitted with a striking strip and decorated with enamel or crests.
- Snuff Box
- A small hinged container used for holding powdered tobacco, prevalent throughout the Georgian and Victorian eras.
Antique Crested Box: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an antique crested box used for?
These boxes held snuff, tobacco, matches, or small personal valuables like trinkets and pills.
Today, they serve as decorative desk accessories or small containers for modern keepsakes.
How do I identify the period of a silver box?
Silver pieces carry hallmarks that indicate the assay office, the year of manufacture, and the maker's mark.
Style indicators, such as Georgian chasing or Edwardian enamel work, also help date the object.
What do the crests on these boxes mean?
The engraved crests, coronets, or mottoes represent the heraldic bearings of the original owner or family.
They were added to personalise the silver and display lineage or status.
How should I clean silver boxes?
Use a soft cloth and a gentle, non-abrasive silver cleaner to maintain the polished finish without damaging the engraved crest.
Avoid harsh dips that strip silver gilt or harm delicate enamel and glass components.