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.

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.

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.

12.25” x 8” x 3.5”