Antique boxes seem to have a special place in the heart of collector. Their many
(antiquated) uses provide the historical essence which attracts many would be buyers
every year. Among the most popular type of antique boxes, are most certainly the
chest. Antique chests have a certain aura of mystery about them, as they are many times
associated with the themes of treasure,and sacred reliquary. Antique snuff cases are
immensely popular in the antique variety also. These come in many designs and often
have intrinsic marks of artistry many times, serving as a customization which is
particular to the owner. These are collectables on the highest level, in that they
inevitably communicate the trends and fashions of the time in which they were made.
For example many such snuff boxes were of the highest quality materials, being in
their turn bejewelled and decorated with cameos. Today antique boxes come in many
shapes in sizes as each variety were made for many different uses. Another famous
though somewhat less practical sort of antique box, is the music boxes which first
came to prominence in the nineteenth century. These were of an age when mechanical
artistry was at its zenith. They were immediately popular with all classes, in that
they originated from a merger between snuff box makers and watchmakers. However the
most enduring image that comes to mind when one thinks upon the subject of antique
boxes are the wooden storage boxes. These are often high quality, and though they
may retain a practical function in a household, they are often elegant specimens of
the seasoned aesthete. Another type of antique box are the wooden wine boxes which
are sometimes still even used today. They even have some historical value to the
individual with antiquarian interests in that they have engraved designs or symbols
which provide some history as to the wine industry of a town and the type of wine
made at a certain time in its history.Antique Jewelery boxes are by far the most
opulent specimens. Many of the older varieties were lined with velvet and other fine
materials, including cloth of gold and silver tissue. Many such receptacles contain
multiple tiers and levels to house their diverse precious contents. The antique box,
is therefore not restricted to antique purposes only, as practical use does not so
readily fall away with time. In such a way the more pragmatic connoisseur is not
left unsatisfied.