Antique Primitive Wooden Sewing or Tradesman’s Box c.1900 – Sliding Tray Compartments – Vintage Utility Storage
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There is something quietly compelling about objects that have simply worked hard for a living. This antique wooden compartment box is one such piece — practical, honest, and full of the quiet character that only years of use can create.
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Dating from around 1900, this hand-crafted wooden box was designed as a working storage piece. Inside, a clever system of sliding but captive trays allows access to multiple compartments above and a larger storage space beneath.
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The inserts move side to side but are fixed in place, as intended, to keep contents organised while preventing loss.
Its original purpose is not certain, but the layout suggests it may have been used as a sewing or haberdashery box, a cobbler’s or leatherworker’s organiser, or possibly a small tradesman’s fittings box for nails, tools or workshop essentials.
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The exterior has been painted at some point in a soft muted tone, while the interior remains beautifully worn and untouched — showing the rich patina of years of practical use.
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Today, it makes a wonderful primitive decorative piece, ideal for:
Craft or sewing storage
Studio organisation
Desk or workshop use
Rustic home styling
Collectors of primitive or utilitarian antiques
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Condition
Good antique condition with honest age-related wear.
Interior shows heavy use, staining and patina
One internal thin board section has damage/break-through (clearly shown in photos)
Surface wear, small knocks and minor splits consistent with age
Sliding trays move as designed but do not remove (original construction)
Structurally sound and solid overall
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Please study photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
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Dimensions
Approximate size:
26 cm (length) x 16 cm (width) x 7 cm (height)
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Objet d’Art Story
At Objet d’Art Stuff, we love the quiet beauty of objects that have simply been useful. This box wasn’t made to impress — it was made to serve, to organise, to sit patiently in a workshop or workroom while hands busied themselves with making and mending. Today, its worn surfaces and clever design carry the story of that practical past, ready to bring a touch of authentic character to a new home