Early Georgian Spirit Box | Mahogany Case with Four Parcel-Gilded Square Decanters | England | Circa Early 19th Century

Provenance & Ownership History
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Offered by Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, through its Waddington’s East division in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, in the Transition Sale of May 2013. The piece subsequently entered a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

$1,250.00
$1,250.00
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Georgian-era wooden tantalus box with red-painted interior, containing four gilded glass decanters with stoppers, used for securely storing and displaying spirits, early 19th century.
Georgian-era wooden tantalus box with red-painted interior, containing four gilded glass decanters with stoppers, used for securely storing and displaying spirits, early 19th century.
Georgian-era wooden tantalus box with red-painted interior, containing four gilded glass decanters with stoppers, used for securely storing and displaying spirits, early 19th century.
Set of four early Georgian parcel-gilt square glass decanters with matching stoppers displayed upright.
Early Georgian spirit box with red-lined interior shown open, surrounded by four matching gilt-decorated glass decanters.
Early Georgian curved-top mahogany spirit box with black trim and keyhole, side-angle view.
Front view of an early Georgian mahogany spirit box with arched lid and decorative black edging.
Early Georgian Spirit Box | Mahogany Case with Four Parcel-Gilded Square Decanters | England | Circa Early 19th Century
  • Georgian-era wooden tantalus box with red-painted interior, containing four gilded glass decanters with stoppers, used for securely storing and displaying spirits, early 19th century.
  • Georgian-era wooden tantalus box with red-painted interior, containing four gilded glass decanters with stoppers, used for securely storing and displaying spirits, early 19th century.
  • Georgian-era wooden tantalus box with red-painted interior, containing four gilded glass decanters with stoppers, used for securely storing and displaying spirits, early 19th century.
  • Set of four early Georgian parcel-gilt square glass decanters with matching stoppers displayed upright.
  • Early Georgian spirit box with red-lined interior shown open, surrounded by four matching gilt-decorated glass decanters.
  • Early Georgian curved-top mahogany spirit box with black trim and keyhole, side-angle view.
  • Front view of an early Georgian mahogany spirit box with arched lid and decorative black edging.
  • Early Georgian Spirit Box | Mahogany Case with Four Parcel-Gilded Square Decanters | England | Circa Early 19th Century
Georgian-era wooden tantalus box with red-painted interior, containing four gilded glass decanters with stoppers, used for securely storing and displaying spirits, early 19th century.
Georgian-era wooden tantalus box with red-painted interior, containing four gilded glass decanters with stoppers, used for securely storing and displaying spirits, early 19th century.
Georgian-era wooden tantalus box with red-painted interior, containing four gilded glass decanters with stoppers, used for securely storing and displaying spirits, early 19th century.
Set of four early Georgian parcel-gilt square glass decanters with matching stoppers displayed upright.
Early Georgian spirit box with red-lined interior shown open, surrounded by four matching gilt-decorated glass decanters.
Early Georgian curved-top mahogany spirit box with black trim and keyhole, side-angle view.
Front view of an early Georgian mahogany spirit box with arched lid and decorative black edging.
Early Georgian Spirit Box | Mahogany Case with Four Parcel-Gilded Square Decanters | England | Circa Early 19th Century
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Early Georgian Spirit Box | Mahogany Case with Four Parcel-Gilded Square Decanters | England | Circa Early 19th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: United Kingdom
Material: Mahogany, brass, glass with parcel gilding
Period: Early Georgian, 19th Century (1800-1830)

Description

This fine example of Georgian craftsmanship is an early 19th-century mahogany boxed decanter set designed for the refined storage and serving of fine spirits. The case features brass side handles, a hinged lid, and six fitted compartments. Four of these compartments contain the original parcel-gilded square decanters, known as “spirit squares,” complete with their stoppers. The remaining compartments likely served as storage for small personal items such as documents or handkerchiefs. A front locking mechanism secured the contents, emphasizing both practicality and status within Georgian domestic life.

Features

- Mahogany case with rich grain and warm tone

- Brass side handles for portability and decorative detail

- Six fitted interior compartments

- Four original square glass decanters with stoppers

- Parcel gilding on decanters reflecting refined Georgian glasswork

- Locking mechanism typical of gentlemen’s traveling or study sets

Cultural Significance

During the Georgian era, boxed decanter sets symbolized wealth, refinement, and the culture of social drinking among Britain’s elite. Square decanters, often called “spirit squares,” were designed for efficient storage and minimal spillage while traveling or serving. Such sets were commonly found in gentlemen’s studies, libraries, and private entertaining spaces, embodying both the craftsmanship of Georgian cabinetmaking and the sophistication of 19th-century hospitality.

Condition

Well-preserved with original decanters intact. Natural surface wear and patina consistent with age enhance authenticity and historical character.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 10.5 in
Width: 9.5 in
Depth: 7.5 in

Age (Approximate)

225–325 years old

Provenance 

Offered by Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, through its Waddington’s East division in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, in the Transition Sale of May 2013. The piece subsequently entered a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Study the Georgian period at English Heritage’s guide to the Georgian era

Browse our Collection of Historical Glass Artifacts and Collectibles

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: United Kingdom
Material: Mahogany, brass, glass with parcel gilding
Period: Early Georgian, 19th Century (1800-1830)

Description

This fine example of Georgian craftsmanship is an early 19th-century mahogany boxed decanter set designed for the refined storage and serving of fine spirits. The case features brass side handles, a hinged lid, and six fitted compartments. Four of these compartments contain the original parcel-gilded square decanters, known as “spirit squares,” complete with their stoppers. The remaining compartments likely served as storage for small personal items such as documents or handkerchiefs. A front locking mechanism secured the contents, emphasizing both practicality and status within Georgian domestic life.

Features

- Mahogany case with rich grain and warm tone

- Brass side handles for portability and decorative detail

- Six fitted interior compartments

- Four original square glass decanters with stoppers

- Parcel gilding on decanters reflecting refined Georgian glasswork

- Locking mechanism typical of gentlemen’s traveling or study sets

Cultural Significance

During the Georgian era, boxed decanter sets symbolized wealth, refinement, and the culture of social drinking among Britain’s elite. Square decanters, often called “spirit squares,” were designed for efficient storage and minimal spillage while traveling or serving. Such sets were commonly found in gentlemen’s studies, libraries, and private entertaining spaces, embodying both the craftsmanship of Georgian cabinetmaking and the sophistication of 19th-century hospitality.

Condition

Well-preserved with original decanters intact. Natural surface wear and patina consistent with age enhance authenticity and historical character.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 10.5 in
Width: 9.5 in
Depth: 7.5 in

Age (Approximate)

225–325 years old

Provenance 

Offered by Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, through its Waddington’s East division in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, in the Transition Sale of May 2013. The piece subsequently entered a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Study the Georgian period at English Heritage’s guide to the Georgian era

Browse our Collection of Historical Glass Artifacts and Collectibles

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