What goes inside a vintage paint box?

A complete vintage paint box typically holds ceramic pigment pans, mixing palettes, glass water bottles and dedicated slots for wooden handled brushes. Many sets also include small drawers or hinged trays to keep dry cakes separate from wet mixtures. Over decades of use, many original internal components went missing or were replaced with modern supplies. Finding a box with its complete set of untouched paint cakes and original saucers is uncommon.

How do I date a paint box?

Dating relies on examining the construction methods, the type of metal hinges, the style of any maker stamps and the materials used for the internal palettes. Nineteenth century examples often feature dovetailed pine joints and hand-turned wooden components. Later pieces from the early twentieth century introduce machine-stamped metal fittings and printed paper maker labels inside the lid. Comparing the typography on any surviving labels helps narrow down the decade of manufacture.

Were these boxes meant for travel?

Many surviving examples were constructed specifically for field work, featuring secure brass latches, sturdy wooden carcasses and compact dimensions for outdoor sketching. Artists took these portable kits into the countryside to paint landscapes directly from nature. Sturdier campaign style construction ensured the pigment cakes and fragile glass water pots survived transport in horse-drawn carriages or early trains. The compact footprint made them practical companions for travelling practitioners.

How should I clean my paint box?

Maintenance requires gentle dusting with a soft brush and avoiding harsh liquid cleaners that might strip the original surface paint or dissolve old paper labels. Preserving the natural patina and any traces of historical pigment staining maintains the character of the object. If the wood is dry, a light application of appropriate conservation wax helps nourish the timber without altering the finish. Keeping the box in a stable environment away from direct sunlight protects both the exterior wood and any internal paper components.

Home > Antiques For Sale > Vintage Paint Box > Page 5

Vintage Paint Box

192 items · page 5 of 12

← Page 5 of 12 →

A vintage paint box holds the materials of a maker's hand, offering a portable studio that appeals to collectors of artist equipment.

19th century

Save

19th Century Antique Apothecary Box - Indigo

From Miles Griffiths Antiques Ltd

£260

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

An Originally Painted Cute Small Hungarian Coffer Box

19th century

Save

An Originally Painted Cute Small Hungarian Coffer Box

From D & J Hunt Antiques

£625

FOR SALE

chests

19th century

Save

Swedish 19th Century Green Painted Shaped Strong Box

From Debenham Antiques Ltd

£425

FOR SALE

boxes

19th century

Save

Small Scandinavian Painted Box

From Millers Antiques

£275

FOR SALE

boxes

Pine Painted Travel Trunk Late Victorian

19th century

Save

Pine Painted Travel Trunk Late Victorian

From Jon Hill Antiques

£675

FOR SALE

chests

A Genuine Hungarian Regency Massive Originally Painted Coffer Box

19th century

Save

A Genuine Hungarian Regency Massive Originally Painted Coffer Box

From D & J Hunt Antiques

£1,050

FOR SALE

chests

19th century

Save

19th Century Mule Trunk

From Dean Antiques Ltd

£1,150

FOR SALE

chests

19th century

Save

19th Century Dome Top Chest in Original Paint

From Browns Antiques and Reclamation

£335

FOR SALE

chests

19th century

Save

Chinese Lacquered Trunk

From Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

£525

FOR SALE

chests

Antique Biscuit Barrel, English, Ceramic, Silver Plate, Kitchen Jar, Victorian

19th century

Save

Antique Biscuit Barrel, English, Ceramic, Silver Plate, Kitchen Jar, Victorian

From London Fine Antiques

£595

FOR SALE

ceramics

Some travel sets retain dried smears of brilliant cobalt and ochre on the mixing trays, left behind by an artist who packed up in a hurry a century ago.

A Pretty Painted Antique / Old Pine Genuine Hungarian Small Box

19th century

Save

A Pretty Painted Antique / Old Pine Genuine Hungarian Small Box

From D & J Hunt Antiques

£545

FOR SALE

chests

Victorian Country House Maid's Toleware Kitchen Bucket

19th century

Save

Victorian Country House Maid's Toleware Kitchen Bucket

From Terrier Antiques at Hebden Bridge

£130

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

A Pretty Floral Antique Pine Hungarian Painted Coffer Box

19th century

Save

A Pretty Floral Antique Pine Hungarian Painted Coffer Box

From D & J Hunt Antiques

£625

FOR SALE

chests

Large Staffordshire Hen and Chicks on Nest Egg Crock C1880

19th century

Save

Large Staffordshire Hen and Chicks on Nest Egg Crock C1880

From Shaun King Antiques

£285

FOR SALE

ceramics

Croquet Set by A.w.gamage in Original Box, Circa 1920

1900 - 1920

Save

Croquet Set by A.w.gamage in Original Box, Circa 1920

From WelshAntiques

£885

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Victorian Pine Blanket Box in Original Paint on Bracket Feet

19th century

Save

Victorian Pine Blanket Box in Original Paint on Bracket Feet

From Eclectic Antiques

£169

FOR SALE

chests

← 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 ... 12 →

Vintage Paint Box

19th Century Antique Apothecary Box - Indigo

An Originally Painted Cute Small Hungarian Coffer Box

Swedish 19th Century Green Painted Shaped Strong Box

Small Scandinavian Painted Box

Pine Painted Travel Trunk Late Victorian

A Genuine Hungarian Regency Massive Originally Painted Coffer Box

19th Century Mule Trunk

19th Century Dome Top Chest in Original Paint

Chinese Lacquered Trunk

Antique Biscuit Barrel, English, Ceramic, Silver Plate, Kitchen Jar, Victorian

A Pretty Painted Antique / Old Pine Genuine Hungarian Small Box

Victorian Country House Maid's Toleware Kitchen Bucket

A Pretty Floral Antique Pine Hungarian Painted Coffer Box

Large Staffordshire Hen and Chicks on Nest Egg Crock C1880

Croquet Set by A.w.gamage in Original Box, Circa 1920

Victorian Pine Blanket Box in Original Paint on Bracket Feet

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories