Counter boxes are generally tubular in shape, approximately one-and-a-half inches high and about one inch in diameter, though sometimes less. Lid might be sparingly decorated, perhaps with floral engravings, piercing, or embossed with an impression of the sovereign’s bust. The exterior of the circular body was often strengthened by ribbing. The counters, which were decorated in a similar fashion to the lid, were used instead of money in games. They might also, therefore, resemble thinner versions of contemporary coins. Their number varied but it was seldom less than 20. Sides of the boxes were also sometimes pierced. (more…)

At the beginning of Queen Anne’s reign the taking of snuff became popular in England, thought to be as a result of the vast amounts which infiltrated the London market following the capture of Spanish ships carrying snuff in the action of Vigo Bay. It had been introduced to Europe many years before, the Spaniards having first tried it following the discovery by Cortes of Mexicans taking snuff in 1520. The taking of snuff persisted despite two popes issuing bulls against the strange new habit, and, in fact, became exceedingly fashionable during the eighteenth century. It still has a following today. (more…)

The name of these tiny, shallow boxes often puzzles people since they think of vinegar in terms of its culinary implications. However, in this case it refers to an aromatic acid-based liquid to which these little boxes owe their existence. The introduction of this concentrated aromatic vinegar, which might contain camphor, lavender, cinnamon, bergamot or other pungent-smelling ingredients, meant that a very much smaller type of sponge box could be carried and used on its own as a type of smelling ‘bottle’, the sponge emitting the concentrated perfume in which it had been soaked. Originally such boxes were described as aromatic vinegar boxes and were simply very small editions of the sponge box, which resembled a snuff box. During the 1780s a change occurred in their basic design, however, and a pierced, hinged inner lid was incorporated, beneath which would be placed the tiny piece of soaked sponge, thus when the outer lid was opened, the aromatic vinegar could be inhaled through the pierced grille or inner lid. Old sponges found in vinaigrettes today may still possess some of their original aroma. (more…)

Chambersticks

Modest and practical, the silver chamberstick was in use during the seventeenth century, but examples are not generally found before the last quarter of the century. In the line of the old nursery rhyme, ‘Here comes a candle to light you to bed’, the words refer to a chamberstick which consisted of a saucer-shaped base for safety, with a short candle-socket in its centre, and a simple handle by which to carry it around the house. Larger homes might later have an assortment of such chambersticks set upon a table in the hall, a person taking one when it was needed and lighting it from a special master taper. Usually made of a lighter metal, the diameter of the saucer-shaped dish varied but generally measured about six inches, the short socket standing about three inches high. Most late seventeenth and eighteenth century examples would have a shapely scroll handle soldered beneath the base and curving upwards. (more…)

Inkstands

Inkstands (standishes) were much favoured in both sterling silver and, from about 1760, Sheffield plate. Silver examples include the treasury inkstand: a rectangular box which contained an inkpot, pounce box and wafer box — a small adhesive disk for sealing letters — with a single- or double-hinged lid and perhaps a drawer below for quills. Another type, made in both silver and Sheffield plate, consisted of a rectangular tray, standing upon four small feet, which had three sockets. In the case of the silver version, the inkpot and pounce box would fit into the outer two sockets, while the middle one would contain a small hand bell, or taperstick for sealing. (more…)

WORKBOXES AND GLOVE BOXES

Moving on to the larger affairs, there are, of course, all the workboxes, with their fascinating array of ivory, bone or mother-of-pearl accessories : everyone should have one of these if only to get a glimpse of what the needlewoman used in other days. Then there are glove boxes, some covered with fancy paper and frills, others painted like the powder boxes. Oval ones, for bands of ribbon, are I believe called band or “brides boxes” and were filled with ribbons. With all these boxes it is very necessary to inspect the hinges—superfluous advice, one would have thought, but many a pretty box has been brought home, only for it to be found that the weak hinge could not be repaired. (more…)

All the way down through history people have needed boxes of one sort or another. Exquisite little gold, silver or enamel ones have been made for them to carry their cachous or essences, and large wooden ones toput their Bibles and deeds in: richly embroidered ones have served for their silks and ribbons, magnificently decorated ones for the jewels, and coarse leaden ones for their tobacco and snuff.

This section looks at some of the many boxes you see in antique shops. Of course, nobody would ever want to collect all these different boxes unless they were equipping a museum, nor even would they probably want just to collect “boxes“. But on their way round they may easily come across some particular type of box they hadn’t considered before, and would like to find out more about. (more…)