Early British oak salt box c.1700 with original iron hardware and traces of red paint
At a Glance – Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility
• Date/Era: Circa 1700 (17th/18th century)
• Origin: Britain
• Material: Oak
• Style/Influence: Primitive vernacular
• Dimensions: H: 47cm (18.5") | W: 37.5cm (14.8") | D: 22.5cm (8.9")
• Condition: Very good condition for age
• Design Details:
• Original wrought iron hardware
• Sliding cover secured with hand‑cut iron nail
• Traces of original red paint
• Deeply aged surface and patina
• Decorative Appeal:
• Sculptural, early and full of primitive charm
• Collectibility: :
• Rare survival of early domestic furniture with original paint traces
Heritage, History & Craftsmanship
A highly unusual and wonderfully authentic British oak salt box dating to around 1700, made firmly in the primitive vernacular tradition. Crafted from solid oak with a deeply aged surface, it retains its original wrought iron hardware - including the hand‑cut nail securing the sliding cover.
Traces of original red paint remain across the surface, a rare and evocative survival that adds warmth, depth and a sense of lived history. Early domestic objects of this type are increasingly scarce, especially in such honest, well‑preserved condition.
A superb piece of early British rural furniture: sculptural in form, tactile in surface and rich in character.
History
British vernacular domestic furniture, circa 1700.
Condition Report
• In very good condition for a 17th/18th‑century vernacular piece
• Wear consistent with age and use
• Original wrought iron hardware intact
• Sliding cover functional
• Traces of original red paint visible
• Structurally sound and stable
• Wear consistent with age and use
• Displays beautifully
Why We Love It
It’s rare to find such an early salt box with this level of integrity - original hardware, traces of early paint and that unmistakable primitive charm. It’s both a functional object from the past and a sculptural decorative piece for today.
Styling Suggestions
• Beautiful in a kitchen, pantry or scullery‑inspired interior
• Works well as a sculptural wall piece in a hallway or boot room
• Pair with treen, early pottery or rustic shelving for a curated vignette
• Adds warmth and authenticity to both period and contemporary spaces
Explore Every Facet
Our high‑resolution photographs let you examine this wrought iron plant stand in detail, exactly as you would in the showroom. These images form an essential part of the condition report and are intended to provide complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. Study the wrought iron hardware, the sliding cover, the traces of red paint and the beautifully aged oak surface - details that reveal the authenticity and early character of this 17th/18th‑century piece.
Sustainable Style
Thank you for considering antique vernacular objects, a choice that is both culturally and environmentally responsible … in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures
Sustainability begins with what already exists; this early oak salt box embodies the enduring appeal of traditional craftsmanship and domestic history. Choosing antiques preserves skilled techniques, reduces waste and brings depth, warmth and longevity to today’s interiors.
Purchase with Confidence
White’s Antiques carefully selects every item for authenticity, character, craftsmanship and decorative presence – ensuring that each piece carries both aesthetic and historic value. Each item is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.
Delivery & Collection Information
• Collection from our Sussex showroom
• Local delivery available
• Nationwide courier options arranged on request
• If delivery is required, please use the ‘Delivery Quote’ tab to obtain a quote before completing your purchase, as delivery is not included in our prices
measurements
Height:
47 cm
Width:
37.500 cm
Depth:
22.500 cm
measurements
declaration
White’s Antiques has clarified that the 17th/18th Century British Oak Salt Box with Original Iron Hardware & Red Paint Traces (LA565992) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being circa 1700