Posted by I’ve always liked small decorative boxes and for a time had a collection (so I’m a bit biased) but I think every living room coffee table should be curated with books and at least one interesting box!
And boxes do sell. There is something appealing about a nice box. Over the years I’ve bought and sold dozens. But moving forward there are certain types of boxes I am no longer buying. For me they are just not worth the effort or what I want to be selling.
First, What I’m NOT Buying
I’m avoiding:
- Vintage porcelain boxes decorated with flowers or fancy French courting couples and such. Actually I know some sellers do well with these and they suit a grandma-core vibe, still they don’t appeal to me and there are thousands and thousands for sale online. Unless they are really old, an excellent brand and hand painted I’ll leave these on the shelf.
- Mass-produced collectibles like Thomas Kinkade, Bradford Exchange, etc. Enough said.
- Carved wood boxes from Poland and India. They can be nice and I’ve sold some over the years, but they are also very common and usually not worth much (under $40).
- Tourist boxes. These are boxes that have the name of the destination on the top and/or are cheaply made by the thousands for tourists to purchase. Rarely worth reselling.
What I Am Looking For
I want to sell boxes that are uncommon and uncommonly good. When I’m sourcing I focus on craftsmanship, quality, uniqueness and age in all types of materials. I pay particular attention to snuff and cigarette boxes which remain popular categories with buyers. I also look for items that have hallmarks, signatures, brand marks and other types of identification.
Here are some boxes I’ve sold over the years and a few from my personal collection with details following.
Vintage French Carved Wood Brittany/Breton Hinged Ship Wheel Box (SOLD $51 on sale)
This was a surprising find at a Goodwill about five miles from me. I rarely find anything at this store and when I spotted this box for $2.69 I felt like the clouds had finally parted! Just a beautiful and intriguing box.
Antique Visnyakov/Lukutin Russian Lacquer Snuff Box, Imperial Seal (SOLD $180)
In 2019 I bought this snuff box at an antique store for $20. I knew it was a winner despite its condition issues (crazing and loss of paint).
On the inside it had the Russian Imperial Seal making it pre-revolution. Bingo!
Vintage Kashmir India Mogul/Mughal and Deer Papier-mâché Lacquer Box (SOLD $90)
I paid $4.69 for this exotic thrift store box and after doing research I found out it was better than I imagined. But I’ll admit I still don’t know much about this type of box.
1800s Italian All-Leather Box with Gilded Elements, Wabi Sabi (SOLD $120)
I bought this at my local flea market for $25. Old worn leather boxes may look like they are ready for trash heap, but folks love the honest patina on these. That it was made in Italy added to the appeal. I always keep an eye out for these.
1921 Pressed Glass Trinket Box with English Hallmarked Sterling Silver Lid (SOLD $45)
This thrift store find (paid under $5) was likely part of a dresser set with containers of varying sizes for powders, lotions and potions. Fully hallmarked but the top was plain. I would have charged more if it had had some engraving or embossing.
Recent Box Purchases
Vintage/Antique Bronze African Gold Dust Box (PAID $53 with shipping and tax)
I bought this fabulous box from an eBay seller for myself…though honestly I am not still collecting boxes. At least that’s what I tell myself! The seller was vague on its age and provenance, but I liked the looks of it in her photos (and it didn’t appear to be a repro) and I hope to use it to store my rings once it arrives.
1989 Porcelain Russian Box
Okay, now this is totally what I said I wasn’t buying!!! It’s a limited edition collectible box! But because it was somewhat exotic, from the USSR and in good condition I decided to go for it.
The box portrays the 1831 tale of Tsar Saltan and a swan princess. Current listed prices for this box are all over– from $20 to $399 which I find astounding. How does one decide to put a $399 price on it when most are under $100?? (Mine is listed at $48.)
Currently For Sale
Vintage Kashmir Paper Mache Lacquer Box with Brass Lining
Pretty and functional with its brass lining. Likely used for tobacco or tea.
Primitive Carved Wood Masonic/Good Luck Snuff/Trinket Box
I love this little handmade, one-of-a-kind box with a Masonic symbol and shamrocks.
Antique Hand-Carved Dutch Wood Shoe Snuff Box, Marken Tourist Piece
Carved and embellished wood shoe snuff boxes go back centuries. This one is a more modest one from the early 20th century.
(Years ago I bought a fancier one from a Chairish seller, but it turned out to be a reproduction and I sent it back. The biggest tell? The area carved out to hold the snuff was way too small making it unusable.)
1887 Whiting Sterling Silver Snuff/Pill Box
I listed this a few weeks ago and it’s been in carts ever since–well, it is a good thing by a good maker! It will likely sell in a month or so.
Whether you are a collector or seller, I hope this whet your appetite for finding boxes.
Happy hunting,
Karen
Hunting for Vintage 