Worn Out Vintage - Antiques

22/06/2026

Antique Carved Oak ‘Thistle & Rose’ Box with Heraldic Shield c.1880

A charming example of British folk art, this late 19th-century carved oak box combines sturdy craftsmanship with the romantic symbolism of the British Isles.

Hand-carved in deep relief, the lid centres on a vacant heraldic shield, flanked by the intertwining blooms of the English Rose and the Scottish Thistle—a timeless motif celebrating the Union. The carving extends to the front and side friezes, featuring trailing foliate scrolls that catch the light beautifully against the dark, wax-polished grain.Internally, the box is clean and spacious, perfect for housing letters, jewellery, or desk essentials.

It retains its original brass lock mechanism and hinges, with the oak displaying a rich, warm patina earned over decades of handling. A distinctive piece of country house furniture that brings history and texture to any surface.

Condition; Good antique condition with a desirable aged patina. The carving remains crisp with no significant losses. The hinge and lock mechanisms are present (key absent). Structural integrity is excellent, with wear commensurate with age and use.

20/06/2026

Early 20th Century Syrian Sadeli Micro-Mosaic and Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Box

An intricate, early to mid-20th-century Syrian marquetry box of elongated octagonal form, decorated in the traditional Sadeli geometric micro-mosaic technique.

The exterior features highly detailed tessellated bands of contrasting exotic woods, expertly interspersed with diamond and rectangular panels of iridescent mother-of-pearl. The lid opens to reveal an exceptionally preserved interior lid face, featuring concentric borders of micro-marquetry framing central geometric motifs.

The box exhibits an honest, unvarnished patina. It is presented in entirely original, unrestored condition, showing historic losses to the inlaid borders along the front lid edge and perimeter, as well as light surface wear consistent with age.

A highly decorative and tactile piece of Middle Eastern craftsmanship, perfect as a statement desk box or vanity accessory.

Condition; Aged, unrestored condition. Notable losses to the exterior lid edges and inlaid borders as photographed; interior lid inlay remains largely complete.

20/06/2026

Late 19th Century Great Eastern Railway (GER) Cast Iron Weight

An authentic, pre-grouping cast iron office weight issued by the Great Eastern Railway (GER), dating from the late Victorian or Edwardian period.

These weights were standard equipment in station booking offices and goods depots to secure ledgers, waybills, and telegrams. Cast in solid iron, the piece features the distinctive raised ‘GER’ initials on the front face and an integrated turned finial handle.

The surface remains entirely unrestored, displaying a dark, honest patina with minor surface oxidation consistent with decades of industrial use.

A heavy, tactile piece of transport history that functions perfectly as a contemporary desk weight.

20/06/2026

Original British Railways (Midland) Copper Signal Box Kettle – “Quick Boil” Skirted Base

Add a genuine piece of British transport history to your kitchen or fireside. This is an authentic mid-century copper kettle issued by British Railways (Midland Region), stamped clearly with the BR(M) property mark. Unlike standard domestic kettles, this industrial-grade piece features a distinct perforated “skirt” base. This ingenious design was developed to increase surface area and trap heat, allowing the kettle to boil rapidly even on the small stoves found in drafty signal boxes and guard’s vans.

19/06/2026

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18/06/2026

13/06/2026

Rare Victorian Campaign Writing Chest with Sailor-Made Maritime Folk Art Decoration

An exceptional and highly unusual Victorian campaign writing chest dating from the second half of the 19th century, retaining a remarkable combination of practicality, craftsmanship and maritime character.

Constructed from solid timber with brass-mounted protective corner brackets, flush carrying handle and dovetailed construction throughout, this substantial travelling chest was built to accompany its owner on extended journeys. Measuring an impressive 19.5 inches wide, it is considerably larger than many surviving writing slopes of the period and offers extensive internal storage.

The true highlight of the piece is the extraordinary sailor-made folk art decoration to the lid. The surface has been carefully inlaid with contrasting dark hardwood to depict two large sailing vessels, transforming a functional campaign chest into a deeply personal maritime object. Such owner-modified examples are rarely encountered and provide a fascinating glimpse into the life and experiences of a former custodian.

Opening the chest reveals a fitted correspondence interior complete with pen trays, document divisions, inkwell recesses and a concealed compartment housing three hidden drawers. Secret drawer arrangements were a hallmark of better-quality writing chests, providing secure storage for documents, money and personal effects whilst travelling.

The chest displays a rich, untouched patina acquired through decades of honest use. The brass campaign mounts remain in place throughout and the piece is structurally sound. Age-related wear, marks and character are entirely consistent with a genuine Victorian travelling chest and only enhance its authenticity and appeal.

Width: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)
Height: 9.25 inches (23.5 cm)
Depth (closed): 11 inches (28 cm)

11/06/2026

Original Ogden’s “Robin” Ci******es Advertising Tray

A superb original vintage advertising tray produced for Ogden’s Robin Ci******es, featuring bold period graphics, rich colours and classic British to***coniana styling.

Manufactured in pressed tin with a rolled rim, the tray displays a deep olive-green ground with striking red “ROBIN CIGARETTES” lettering, a central illustration of a Robin cigarette packet and the promotional slogan “Full Value”. The design remains highly decorative and instantly recognisable, making it an excellent display piece for collectors of vintage advertising.

Originally intended for use in to***conists, public houses and retail premises, advertising trays such as this served both a practical purpose and as eye-catching point-of-sale marketing. Surviving examples are increasingly sought after for their nostalgic appeal and strong graphic design.

This example retains an attractive untouched patina, with honest wear, scratches and edge rubbing accumulated through decades of use. The worn finish only enhances its authenticity and character, reflecting its original working life.

An excellent piece of British to***coniana and vintage advertising, ideal for display in a home bar, shop interior, collection or period-inspired setting.

Condition; Good vintage condition with age-related wear throughout. Surface scratches, paint losses, edge wear and areas of oxidation consistent with age and use. Structurally sound and displays very well.

A genuine and increasingly scarce survivor from Britain’s golden age of to***co advertising.



******es

10/06/2026

Large Antique Hand-Carved Folk Art Serving Tray

A striking and substantial antique hand-carved wooden serving tray, executed from a single plank of timber and adorned with an extraordinary array of geometric chip-carved decoration.

The surface is richly embellished with repeating starburst rosettes, diamond panels and intricate border motifs, all deeply hand-carved to create a captivating interplay of light and shadow. The design demonstrates a remarkable level of craftsmanship, with each section carefully laid out to form a harmonious and highly decorative composition.

Of impressive scale at approximately 30 inches wide, this is far larger than the majority of surviving examples and possesses a commanding presence whether displayed on a coffee table, sideboard or mounted as wall décor. The tray is fitted with matching carved handles, further enhancing both its practicality and visual appeal.

Particularly noteworthy is its traditional construction. The tray has been crafted from a single wide plank of timber rather than joined boards, a feature that contributes significantly to its character and authenticity. A historic age-related shrinkage split is visible to the underside, typical of large solid timber pieces of considerable age, yet the tray remains structurally sound and perfectly usable.

Likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, the piece embodies the enduring appeal of traditional folk craftsmanship. The bold geometric carving and warm, naturally aged patina make it equally suited to period interiors, country homes, mountain lodges and contemporary decorative settings.

A superb decorative object combining scale, craftsmanship and genuine age, offering exceptional visual impact and a wonderful example of traditional hand-carved folk art.

Condition; Good antique condition with attractive age-related wear and patina throughout. Historic timber movement and shrinkage commensurate with age, including an old split to the underside. Structurally sound, stable and displaying beautifully.