Where were these boxes hung?

These boxes were typically mounted on walls near fireplaces, doorways or work areas where salt, candles or spices were needed quickly. Their placement kept essential domestic items dry, secure and out of the reach of household pests.

What is the difference between a candle box and a salt box?

Candle boxes often featured sliding lids or hinged slanted fronts to protect tallow or wax dips from dust. Salt boxes usually incorporated a high backboard with a suspension hole and a sloping lid designed to keep dampness away from coarse kitchen salt.

How do I mount an antique wall box safely?

Most hanging boxes rely on an original pierced backboard or hanging lug designed to fit over a secure wall screw or peg. Weight distribution should be tested carefully so the old timber and historical fixings bear no undue strain.

Are these pieces made of solid wood?

The vast majority of these hanging boxes utilise solid native hardwoods like oak and mahogany, or softwoods such as pine. Construction relied on boards thick enough to withstand daily opening and closing without warping.