I’ve always loved little boxes. Even when I was a girl, I had a few small boxes, mostly made of wood, for keeping little treasures. So, naturally, that has carried over into adulthood, specifically when it comes to boxes that hold creative supplies. I’ve shared about my love of artist paint boxes (oh, those are so irresistible), but I’m not going to limit my antique box horizons.
So, this past week, I picked up a couple more antique wooden boxes to bring to our next house.
The first one is an from the 1800s. I saw it in a case and dismissed it as likely being too expensive, but then I saw the booth was running a 50% off sale. I confirmed the sale was for the entire booth and asked to have a closer look at the box. With the 50% off sale, it would be discounted to $80 and that is a good price for a beautiful old wooden box, especially ones with little trays and cubbies. When I l, a box of this size, detail, age, and quality goes for much higher.
I thought about the box for a while as we looked around the rest of the shop and decided to get it. I mean, I didn’t have a sewing box and every proper lady who sews needs a sewing box. Not really, but it sounds good.
The inside of the antique box is the real selling point. It is just precious…lined with faded pinkish-red velvet and finely-crafted wood cubbies to hold notions, thread, and needles.
It even came with a few bits and pieces.
A padded cover to a small compartment lifts out and, I imagine the padded surface doubles as a place to stick pins.
The entire tray lifts out to reveal a larger storage area underneath.
I hope I can find a small key in my stash that will fit into the slot. It doesn’t need to lock it, but I do like the look of a key sticking out of these antique boxes!
The antique writing slope bird’s eye maple box and was more of a splurge, but still, a bargain based on other prices I’ve seen. I mean, that wood is so exquisite. It looks like it’s glowing.
And you know that I love the writing slope surface is a rich blue velvet. I mean, come on. I was delighted to see that the little pencil tray tips out, too. It doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as other I’ve looked at (like secret compartments) and ribbons crisscrossed to hold papers and letters, but the real star of this box is the wood it’s made from as well as the condition for the age of the box.
I also hope to find a little key for this box. I have a collection of small keys for cabinet doors, drawers, and small boxes, and I’ll test a few out on both of these boxes to see if any fit. I love the little spade-shaped escutcheon, though. You can tell a lot of attention and care went into designing and making this box. I wish I knew its story.
I will definitely use the antique sewing box and writing slope, both for their intended purposes, but I will also use them as decor. Having a box sitting on a chest or dresser, flanked by two lamps, is just classic. They also look great on a bookshelf or just sitting out on a desk.
My mom and I will do a bit more hunting for antiques this week and I’ll let you know what other goodies I find!
15 Responses
I’m a lover of anything bird’s eye maple. My husband made me a spice cabinet out of that wood and I treasure it. We go to a lumberyard in Lancaster County, Pa and they sell all different types of wood but I always climb the stairs to the loft and admire the bird’s eye maple. You made 2 beautiful selections. I’m so looking forward to seeing all your treasures in your new home.
Love both your boxes! Especially the birds eye maple one. Never seen this wood before. Where do you find little keys? Cant wait to see your new home.
Love seeing these boxes! I’ve been on the hunt on and off for a writing slope, but the prices are always increasing. Both of your boxes are gorgeous, inside and out. Thanks for sharing them!
I love wooden boxes also! I am curious about prices on antiques and vintage that you have found on the East Coast. Do think prices compare nicely with those in MN or are the treasures you’ve seen so far more expensive in the east in general?
As you and your Mom are out and about I wish you would go to Bedford PA to explore Bedford Springs Hotel. It’s beauty, history and fabulous restoration are right up your alley. Bedford has many antique shops and Old Bedford Village is worth an afternoon. I would love to see you write about it and share your experience.
I live in Bedford, PA and whole heartedly agree! Such a great small town with lots of history, antiques and unique, local eateries!
Love the birds eye maple box , the wood is one of my favorites. Btw where are your boys going to school?
Both boxes are beautiful and I know they will be enjoyed. That bird eye maple is stunning and the escutcheon is amazing! Will be fun to see how all of the goodies you’re finding will decorate your next home! You and your mom are doing a great job treasure hunting! Enjoy
Yes I too love wood boxes. One Christmas I decorated my mantle with some of my treasures they looked so nice and even more festive with the clear soft string lights glowing on the wood. And I too love birds eye maple anything I do not own a box with that wood but I do own a chest and I treasure it. I have an antique student lamp sitting on it with its original green glass shade. Cannot wait to see more of your finds and I am also interested in your price comparison East vs Midwest prices ? And cannot wait until you get to New England for antiques which there are so many places to discover.
Wooden boxes always catch my eye when I’m out antiquing. I have a few vintage cedar boxes that belonged to my father=-in-law. They are not real old, but the dovetail joints and craftmanship are still undeniable. They certainly make for pretty storage. I have noticed that old boxes can be quite expensive. You found some beautiful boxes for sure.
I’m pretty sure I remember seeing, on the blog Grit and Polish, that there is a source to get keys for older furniture, boxes and doors. Thats if none of your’s fit always good to know of a resource!
The boxes are beautiful (especially the sewing box), but I zeroed in on that Chinoiserie blue and white bowl peeping out in top right corner! <3
Isn’t that beautiful? It is huge and heavy and belonged to my great-grandmother. My mom is giving it to me to put in our new house.
My parent’s had bird’s eye maple floors in their late Victorian home in rural Wisconsin, but it didn’t look like your box. That reminds me of a bedroom suite I once had from North Carolina called wormy maple. Does anyone know the difference?
It’s different grain types. There is curly, birdseye, quilted, wormy, etc. You can look up different grains to see what is the best match for yours. Since they are naturally occurring, they can have variations.