Antique George III Mahogany Knife Box

This is a handsome 18th Century (c.1780) George III antique mahogany knife box with lovely serpentine front and extensive inlay. The box has a beautiful colour and patina and has delicate inlaid ebony and satinwood stringing to the edges. The lid is inlaid with central patera and lifts to reveal storage space inside, with original brass carry handles to the sides, and original escutcheon, lock and handle to the lid. Internally it is missing dividers, so now can be used for storage of letters, stationary etc. In the 18th Century, valuable cutlery and flatware of the nobility was housed under lock and key, and owning a knife box became a symbol of importance in the Georgian dining room, since owning silver was a matter of great prestige. Craftsmen designed and made knife boxes in the Hepplewhite and Sheraton styles with slant fronts, hinged lids, and beautiful inlaid and veneered surfaces, such as the knife box we offer here. Often these boxes have been converted and repurposed into stationary boxes, jewellery boxes etc. Construction/Wood:- Mahogany