What were antique vinaigrette boxes used for?

Vinaigrettes held small sponges saturated with aromatic vinegar or smelling salts. People carried them in pockets or reticules to counter foul street smells and prevent fainting. The perforated internal grill allowed the scent to escape while keeping the damp sponge secure. These miniature containers required precise metalwork to ensure the lid sealed tightly against leaks.

How do I clean a silver snuff box?

Silver boxes require gentle dusting with a soft, dry cloth to preserve the dark highlights within engraved recessed lines. Harsh chemical dips strip the aged patina that collectors value. Store them away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent tarnish accumulation on delicate chased surfaces. Professional advice should be sought before attempting to polish antique silver gilt.

What is the difference between a tea caddy and a trinket box?

Tea caddies were built specifically to store loose tea leaves, often incorporating tight-fitting lids or interior bulkheads to preserve dry flavours. Many Georgian and Victorian examples included locks to protect expensive imported leaves. Trinket boxes served a general domestic purpose for storing jewellery, pins, or small keepsakes on dressing tables. Their interiors lack the specialised compartments found in dedicated tea storage vessels.

How can I tell the date of a silver box?

British silver bears hallmarks that indicate the assay office, the maker's mark, and a specific date letter corresponding to the year of testing. These tiny stamps are usually located on the inner rim or base. Comparing the style of engraving and the object form helps confirm the production era when marks are rubbed or absent. Georgian pieces favor neoclassical motifs, whereas Victorian items often display heavier floral relief.

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Antique Engraved Box

250 items · page 16 of 16

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An antique engraved box brings personal history to a desk or pocket, offering intricate chased motifs on silver, wood, or ivory.

1780 Very Rare Large Cork Silver Box by John Hillery Macnamara Crest , Times Provenance

18th century

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1780 Very Rare Large Cork Silver Box by John Hillery Macnamara Crest , Times Provenance

From Dudley Antique Silver

£3,950

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

19th century

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Large Brass Door Knocker with Letterbox

From Hatchwell Antiques

£1,650

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

1900 - 1920

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Tortoiseshell Stud or Cufflink Box

From AJD Antiques

£225

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

19th century

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Flintlock Pistol Early 18th Century

From Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

£695

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Nice Antique Victorian Mother-of-pearl Hors D'oeuvres Set - 1898

19th century

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Nice Antique Victorian Mother-of-pearl Hors D'oeuvres Set - 1898

From Kingsdown Antiques

£100

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

19th century

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Heavy Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Gilt Cigar/cheroot Case - London 1850

From Artisan Antiques

£3,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

Antique Hand Decorated Cigarette Keeper, Indian, Brass, Tobacco Tin, Victorian

19th century

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Antique Hand Decorated Cigarette Keeper, Indian, Brass, Tobacco Tin, Victorian

From London Fine Antiques

£475

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

19th century

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Satinwood Brass Overlay Lapdesk 1850

From Michael Johnson Antiques

£390

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

Pair Antique English Sterling Silver Napkin Rings - 1898

19th century

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Pair Antique English Sterling Silver Napkin Rings - 1898

From Puckerings

£275

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

19th century

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Boxed Victorian Sterling Silver and Gold Hinged Cuff Bangle

From Corvidae Antique

£150

3+ MONTHS AGO

jewellery

Listings feature items spanning the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods, constructed from sterling silver, silver gilt, velvet, leather, and bone.

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Antique Engraved Box

1780 Very Rare Large Cork Silver Box by John Hillery Macnamara Crest , Times Provenance

Large Brass Door Knocker with Letterbox

Tortoiseshell Stud or Cufflink Box

Flintlock Pistol Early 18th Century

Nice Antique Victorian Mother-of-pearl Hors D'oeuvres Set - 1898

Heavy Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Gilt Cigar/cheroot Case - London 1850

Antique Hand Decorated Cigarette Keeper, Indian, Brass, Tobacco Tin, Victorian

Satinwood Brass Overlay Lapdesk 1850

Pair Antique English Sterling Silver Napkin Rings - 1898

Boxed Victorian Sterling Silver and Gold Hinged Cuff Bangle

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