Georgian Mahogany Knife Boxes, 1770, Set of 2

A Delightful Pair Of 18th Century, Hepplewhite Period, Georgian Mahogany Pair Of Knife Boxes, Or Cutlery Boxes, Having Elegant Serpentine Fronts, Superbly Figured Lift Up Lids, Enclosing Fitted Cutlery Decks with Apertures Of Various Shapes And Later Brass Ring Pull Handles.

Throughout the 18th century, and subsequently the 19th century, it would be fair to say that cutlery boxes, generally more commonly referred to as knife boxes, became a real symbol of status in the dining rooms of the welathiest houses in the UK. There purpose was of course to both display and safely store the extremely valuable silver household cutlery. More often than not they were made in pairs and as time progressed they were created in a wide variety of designs and decorative styles.

Nowadays of course Georgian Knife Boxes have become not just practical, functional items, but also rather collectable items.

These are a lovely example, constructed from attractive, well figured mahogany veneers which have retained a good colour and patina. They are a nice elegant shape and retain their inner divisions which is always nice to see.The brass ring handles are old replacements and contemporary to the period of the boxes but not original. The escutcheons for the keyholes are however probably original. The locks are still present, but its worth noting that there is no key available for the boxes. There is not really a need for a key as they open and shut perfectly normally but should one wish to have keys made then no doubt this could be done by a skilled locksman.

As with all items which we offer for sale these georgian cutlery boxes have been inspected in our workshops, by our highly skilled, trained antique furniture restorers to ensure they are in excellent condition before being offered for sale.

Circa 1770.

Height 14.75in.
Width 9.5in.
Depth 10in.