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2 Old Wooden Boxes Information and Valuation |
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Posted :
29 Sep. 2009 09:24:57 |
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Hi all!
I have 2 wooden boxes which I bought from a church fete some time ago. I have no idea of their age or what they would have been used for. I think they are old and are definately hand crafted. I have seen nothing like them in my research so would appreciate any information and possibly a vauation.
Description Both boxes are the same size: 6" length, 5" width, 3" depth. They are heavy, solid wood and the bases are carved in one piece. The lids have hand carved flower designs and swivel open on a nail. Inside one box there are 4 square compartments with a hole in the centre of each. Inside the other box they are 5 circles with a hole in each - as if something has been removed. The whole style is rough, rustic, hand crafted.
 
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| Updated By marieisme on 29 Sep. 2009 10:37:10 |
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Posted :
29 Sep. 2009 09:42:30 |
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Can you post a photo of them open as well please? It might help to generate some ideas of possible uses...
Andrew
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Posted :
29 Sep. 2009 10:26:47 |
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| Hi - Thanks for your reply. I did take several photos - one of them open. I could only get the one photo to upload. First time on here! I'll have a look and try again later today. Thanks - Marie |
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Posted :
29 Sep. 2009 10:39:56 |
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| Hi again - Done now. Hope I get some replies! Thanks - Marie |
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Posted :
29 Sep. 2009 18:56:15 |
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Hi,
I would say that the one to the right is an aromatherapy oil box or similar, for holding glass bottles, hence the depression in each little box. At 3" tall that sounds about right.
It reminds me of shesham wood or a rough acacia wood from Bali or somewhere like that. I would be interested to see clear close ups of the hinge as that part is a bit unusual. There are many boxes out there like this, but most are not square or exactly this decoration.. many boxes are used as tarot boxes for example and so are not square as they are meant to house a deck.
Although these are nice, I personally wouldnt value them that highly monetarily. However, I am not really into these sort of things.. so you can take me with a pinch of salt if you prefer, but I personally wouldnt say much past £5-10 each if that, it depends if you find someone who is into boxes.
Just my take on it..... but Ive seen one too many horror films, so wouldnt buy a second hand box from someone I didnt know! LOL!
Dont know if that helps or muddies the waters for you! x
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Posted :
30 Sep. 2009 09:31:05 |
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Hi RainbowMagik
Many thanks for your reply. I have posted some more pics. As you say, the hinge part is unusual. I would say the lid decoration is British or European. They are 3" deep, including lid. The inside is only 1" deep, so they wouldn't hold aromatherapy oil bottles. I agree the circular depressions and holes indicate they have held something in place. But what?? I'm not sure about the wood. It is light in colour under the stain. They are heavy - 600 gm. The one with the compartments inside does have an aromatic smell but whether that is from the wood or previous contents I don't know. I'm just so curious about them! My husband is convinced that they are REALLY old, like from The Mary Rose or something LOL. Do you think if I took them to a local museum they might be able to shed some light?
Thanks again - Marie :)
   
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Posted :
30 Sep. 2009 17:15:27 |
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Hi again..
Sorry I read that you had written it was 3" in depth that was why I mentioned that would be ok for wee bottles of oil, but hmmm... only 1" in the holes... hmm.. will have to have a think then as to what could have been inside.
Of course, you could also show them to a good carpenter, they would know if the nails were really an old type or not - as that will often give good clues - and if the item was hand chiselled or made with old style tools or not etc... but yes, you certainly could always try a local museum as they would have the benefit of hands on appraisal and nothing beats that at the end of the day.
If you find anything out, let us know wont you... I will keep looking online for you...
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Posted :
01 Oct. 2009 20:23:21 |
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Hi again
Thanks for that. They certainly are a mystery! Perhaps I'll get some more replies from the forum.
Best Wishes
Marie |
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Posted :
02 Oct. 2009 21:06:34 |
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Hello there
I hope I will not disappoint you too much, but these are identical to items that a freind of ours bought in from India for his shops. They tend to have new bases whilst the covers are made from bits of reclaimed old doors and shutters, (which could be a couple of hundred years old).
The holes in the base are made from flat wood drill bits - you know the kind that have a sharp point with a large flat cutting blade to the sides, hence the circular marks that can be clearly seen in one of the boxes. The compartments were then squared out by chisel.
The reason that they look so old is two-fold - the covers probably are and a good stain has been used all over them. The hinge is actually just a nail.
Sorry if that's not the answer that you were hoping for.
Simon |
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Posted :
03 Oct. 2009 12:04:43 |
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Hi Simon
Many thanks for your reply. I think you have solved the mystery! Your description is spot on. Oh well, at least I now know how they were made, etc. Do you have any idea how much your friend sells them for? I only paid 50p each for them so it would still be a profit. I really appreciate your advice, although my husband will be disappointed we won't be selling them to The Mary Rose Trust now LOL :)
Regards
Marie |
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