Object Description
A Victorian English oak 6 sided Country house letter box, with single draw to the base and silver plated handle.
English Circa 1865
Designed as a six-sided pedestal box, it was intended for use in an affluent country house, where the proper dispatch of correspondence was both a matter of necessity and a symbol of status.
The letter box boasts a beautifully hand-carved domed top adorned with acanthus leaf motifs and a prominent, turned finial. This intricate carving adds a sense of architectural flourish, characteristic of mid-Victorian decorative arts. Just below the finial, a row of turned beading.
The six sides taper gently towards the base and are crafted from richly grained, honey-toned English oak. Each panel is framed with finely finished mouldings, giving the piece a refined and well-balanced presence.
To the front, a cast metal plaque marked “LETTERS” sits above a glazed slot that originally displayed the post schedule or collection times. Below, a secure lockable door would have allowed the household’s butler or postmaster to collect letters for delivery.
A single pull-out drawer is discreetly integrated into the stepped, hexagonal plinth base and features a silver-plated knob, likely used for additional storage of stamps, writing supplies, or keys.