What was inside a mahogany medicine box?

These boxes typically contained a selection of glass apothecary bottles for holding liquid remedies, powders, and pills. Additional spaces often housed small scales, measuring cups, mortars, and mixing spatulas. Many examples also included secret drawers or hidden compartments beneath the primary tier. These concealed spaces secured poisonous substances, valuable documents, or spare stoppers.

How do I date a mahogany medicine box?

Dating relies on observing the hardware styles, wood types, and construction methods used in the box. Georgian and Regency examples frequently exhibit clean architectural lines, boxwood stringing, and heavy brass campaign handles. Victorian pieces often introduce different locking mechanisms, varied interior velvet colours, and machine-cut dovetails. Examining the style of any surviving paper labels or bottle shapes provides further chronological clues.

Can I use the original glass bottles?

Original glass bottles found within these chests are fragile historical artefacts intended for display rather than modern storage. The glass can be brittle, and any residual historic compounds inside may be unstable or toxic. Collectors keep the bottles clean and empty to preserve the integrity of the fitted interior. Using them for liquids risks damaging the antique wood and velvet linings through leakage.

How should I care for the wood?

Maintain the mahogany exterior by keeping the box away from direct sunlight and sudden humidity changes. Extreme environments cause the timber to warp and the brass or inlay to loosen. Apply microcrystalline wax sparingly if the surface appears dry, and dust the interior compartments with a soft, dry brush. Avoid modern liquid polishes that leave residues on the timber.

Search 0

4,846 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 0 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN

Saved

GIFTS

Mahogany Medicine Box

LATEST STOCK

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Mahogany Medicine Box

19 items · page 2 of 2

← Page 2 of 2 →

A mahogany medicine box is a fitted timber chest designed to hold medical remedies, offering a compact and orderly system that collectors prize for its intricate internal layout.

George III Apothecary Box with Out Contents

18th century

Save

George III Apothecary Box with Out Contents

From Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

£995

FOR SALE

boxes

Regency Mahogany Fitted Apothecary's Box

19th century

Save

Regency Mahogany Fitted Apothecary's Box

From W.R. Harvey & Co. (Antiques) Ltd

£1,450

FOR SALE

glass

19th century

Save

Regency Mahogany Fitted Apothecary's Box

From W.R. Harvey & Co. (Antiques) Ltd

£1,250

FOR SALE

glass

← 1 2 →

65,671

Antiques For Sale

Antiques Approved Today

Antique Uploads This Month

445,425

Total Antiques Sold

Mahogany Medicine Box

George III Apothecary Box with Out Contents

Regency Mahogany Fitted Apothecary's Box

Regency Mahogany Fitted Apothecary's Box

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories