Arts & Crafts Letter box - 1850-1900

Archive / Telegrams mailer in English oak, Arts and Crafts, c. late 19th c. – England

Archive / Telegram mailer.
Style: Arts and Crafts
Materials: Wood, brass, velvet and crystal
Period: Late 19th century
Country of origin: England
Good condition considering its age and use.
Dimensions: 26 x 46 x 22 cm.

Magnificent English telegraph archive/mail box, made of oak wood in the distinctive Arts and Crafts movement style from the 19th century. It has a rectangular structure divided into three parts, with the central area protruding more than the sides. This central section is square and features a hinged top, higher at the rear and lower at the front, forming an inclined surface. On the lid is the slot for letters, above which lies a brass metal strip bearing the inscription “Letters”. Both on the lid, under the slot, and on the front there is a glass panel that reveals the interior of the box, all finished with metal edge trim. In the bottom central part there is a small compartment or narrow slot, intended for telegrams, marked by a brass plate on the lower front. The remaining parts of the archivist are on the sides, two “U”-shaped compartments with upper and front openings, lined with velvet, intended to store letters.

Arts and Crafts was an influential movement in art and design that emerged in Great Britain in the late 19th century; one of its main advocates was designer and writer William Morris. The movement began as a reaction against mass industrial production, Victorian-era mechanization, and the loss of traditional craftsmanship; they sought to return to manual work without sacrificing affordability for the general population. They sought, both in other arts and in furniture, a return to constructive honesty, functionality, and the natural beauty of materials. This often led to a simpler, more rudimentary appearance in furniture, though not necessarily indicating poorer quality. Although William Morris’s original aim was to create beautiful, durable, and affordable furniture for the people, the cost of manual manufacture with high-quality materials made these pieces luxury items accessible only to the upper class.

Each piece in our collection is original and unique, carefully selected to add special value to your space and become part of your life and personal story, with personality, distinction, and uniqueness. Investing in art is not only sustainable but also enriching and enlightening. We are custodians of our history and cultural heritage, protecting the memory of our identity.

Only the original language version of the description is legally binding. The shipment of the product will be paid by the buyer according to dimensions, weight, and destination. Shipping costs include professional, tailor-made packaging; and personalized shipping with tracking number and warranty.

The buyer will be responsible for paying import duties and associated taxes in the destination country, if any. Please note the seller’s disclaimer regarding possible customs charges, as these are collected in the destination country and the amount due is determined by that country’s customs. If an export permit from the Ministry of Culture is required for antiquity or value, the costs are borne by the buyer.