Georgian Mahogany Pair Of Knife Boxes (England, circa 1790)
Georgian Mahogany Pair Of Knife Boxes (England, circa 1790)
A Very Good Quality, 18th Century, George III Period, Mahogany Pair Of Knife, Or Cutlery, Boxes Of Typical Shape With Serpentine Fronts And Superbly Figured, Inlaid And Crossbanded Sloped Lids, Revealing Later Fabric Lined Interior Compartments.
Cutlery boxes, or as they are now more commonly referred to, Knife boxes, were of course originally made with the purpose of housing the homes most precious and valuable cutlery and enable it to be locked away when not in use. This was very important as generally the cutlery used by wealthy homes in the 18th and early 19th centuries would be extremely expensive to purchase, utilising materials like silver and bone in its construction.
They nearly always came in pairs and were nearly always found standing proudly atop the serving table, or sideboard in the dining room. Often there would be two pairs, one for serving utensils and one for eating utensils, which is why you often find a whole variety of different sized slots contained within their interior fittings.
This particular pair of cutlery boxes have had their interiors totally removed at some point in their past however. And they have then been lined with a suede type fabric, which could easily be changed for something different should one wish, which we think actually helps to give the boxes far more of a purpose and function. It means there is a signifcant amount of storage space available within them which could be utilised for any manner of items which one requires relatively easy access to.
Its also worth noting how well figured the mahogany timber is and what a nice colour they have retained. The inlaid and strung decoration is particularly well executed and they are really just extremely attractive. They also come with working locks and keys and have been given a natual wax polish before being offered for sale.
Circa 1790.
Height 14in.
Width 8.75in.
Depth 13.75in.


Canada Delivery - £ 250 (Please allow 7 to 42 days)
Continental Europe - £ 150 (Please allow 7 to 42 days)
Mainland UK Delivery - £ 50 (Please allow 7 to 10 days)
Rest Of The World - Please Enquire
Please be aware that it is the customers responsibility to pay any customs duties or taxes levied by the destination country when items are delivered outside of the UK.

We have vans regularly on the road throughout mainland England and where practical and realistically possible are always pleased to offer prospective clients our approval service. Where possible we will not charge to bring the item/s out to you and place them in position in your home then take them away again should you choose not to purchase them. On some occasions there may be a nominal charge to cover the cost of our approval service, but this will always be discussed and explained to you in advance of our visit.
Please make it very clear when enquiring about an item, or items, if you intend to use the approval service as it must be agreed with us in advance of any further discussions re delivery timescales etc.


Canada Delivery - £ 250 (Please allow 7 to 42 days)
Continental Europe - £ 150 (Please allow 7 to 42 days)
Mainland UK Delivery - £ 50 (Please allow 7 to 10 days)
Rest Of The World - Please Enquire
Please be aware that it is the customers responsibility to pay any customs duties or taxes levied by the destination country when items are delivered outside of the UK.

We have vans regularly on the road throughout mainland England and where practical and realistically possible are always pleased to offer prospective clients our approval service. Where possible we will not charge to bring the item/s out to you and place them in position in your home then take them away again should you choose not to purchase them. On some occasions there may be a nominal charge to cover the cost of our approval service, but this will always be discussed and explained to you in advance of our visit.
Please make it very clear when enquiring about an item, or items, if you intend to use the approval service as it must be agreed with us in advance of any further discussions re delivery timescales etc.