A Most Unusual 18th Century Oak and Elm Candle or Bottle Box
Having a single piece elm back, with a shaped back which provides the means of hanging. The sliding oak cover is very slightly chamfered and rises to reveal a vacant interior, with the original iron lock attached the top board (a rare and most unusual feature on this type of box).
Naturally, this shape of box would suggest the storage of candles, however due to its impressive size, and the presence of a lock, it’s original use could have been to securely store two valuable bottles of spirits – safe from servants’ hands. Or, if it was for the storage of candles, which were costly items in the 18th century, it must have been made for a large household, or perhaps a church.
English, circa 1740-60.
Width 10 inches, depth 8 inches, 15.5 inches high to the front of the slide, 21 inches high at the backboard.
Ref 2138
