Edwardian Glove Box
An edwardian glove box is a neat timber receptacle made to hold fine gloves, turning up here in polished walnut and oak.
Edwardian Glove Box
An edwardian glove box is a dedicated wooden container designed to keep delicate formal handwear clean and straight when not worn. These practical accessories often appear integrated into larger hall stands and wall mirrors or stand alone as tabletop caskets.
The versions most commonly found here date from the Edwardian period and the late nineteenth century, built in familiar domestic timbers like oak, mahogany and walnut. Many examples incorporate hinged lids, brass mounts and fitted interior spaces tailored precisely to the length of a pair of gloves.
Makers occasionally combined these receptacles with mirrors or key trays for placement near an entrance hall, making them dual-purpose furnishings for daily use. Collectors encounter both simple utilitarian boxes and decorative pieces featuring inlaid motifs or carved wooden detailing.
How They Were Made
Cabinetmakers constructed these boxes using solid timbers and decorative veneers such as burr walnut, securing the joints with neat corner mitres and dovetailed carcases. The wood was then planed, smoothed and polished to bring out the natural grain and warmth of the material.
Metal components like brass hinges, escutcheons and corner straps were fitted by hand to reinforce the corners and support the lifting lids. Internal partitions and velvet or silk linings were occasionally added to protect the leather and fabric of the gloves stored within.
Edwardian Glove Box Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian glove 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.
Some boxes are just large enough for a single pair of kid leather gloves and a tiny bone button hook.
What Varies in Quality
The distinction between standard utility items and finer pieces lies in the choice of cabinet timber and the crispness of the applied decoration. Burr veneers with rich figuring and tidy brass mountings indicate a higher grade of production than plain, undecorated softwood carcases.
Construction details such as flush-fitting lids, tightly jointed corners and well-preserved original hinges separate durable examples from those showing hasty assembly or later replacement parts. The presence of integrated mirrors or careful hand-carving elevates the piece from a simple container to a considered furnishing.
William Hutton
The Edwardian Glove Box Glossary
- Burr Walnut
- A mottled and swirled wood grain taken from the warted growths on walnut trees. It was prized by cabinetmakers for its decorative appearance on box lids and furniture panels.
- Escutcheon
- A protective brass plate surrounding a keyhole. It prevents the wood from splitting around the lock mechanism.
- Hall Stand
- A tall piece of furniture placed near an entrance to hold coats, hats and umbrellas. Many incorporate small boxes or trays specifically for gloves and keys.
- Inlay
- A technique where pieces of contrasting wood or metal are set flush into the surface of the primary timber to create decorative patterns.
Edwardian Glove Box: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an edwardian glove box?
An edwardian glove box is a small wooden container made to store and protect fine gloves when not being worn outdoors.
These pieces range from simple standalone caskets to compartments built into larger hallway furnishings.
How were glove boxes used?
People placed them in dressing rooms or entrance halls to keep formal gloves clean, flat and ready for social calls.
They often held related accessories like buttons, hooks or house keys alongside the gloves.
How do I date a glove box?
Dating relies on timber choices, construction methods and stylistic details like brass mounts or carved wooden motifs.
Comparing the piece against marked items from the same period helps narrow down the decade of manufacture.
Are they difficult to care for?
They require minimal maintenance beyond keeping them away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture.
A light application of appropriate wood wax helps preserve the finish of the timber.