Antique c1790 Treen Turned Boxwood Shaving Soap Box Pot Mirror with Metal Liner

A well-proportioned late Georgian treen shaving box, with super rich tactile patina. It dates to around 1790–1810, finely turned from dense fruitwood and retaining its original internal metal liner and intact inset lid mirror. This is a classic example of a gentleman’s personal grooming piece from the period, of the type used both domestically and as part of travelling or campaign equipage.

The form is particularly pleasing — a low, wide, lidded pot with a softly domed top and cleanly stepped base, all crisply executed on the lathe. The wood has developed a rich, warm honey tone over time, with a deep, naturally evolved patina that gives the surface a notably tactile quality in the hand. There are visible water marks, handling traces and darker areas of use, especially across the lid and base, all consistent with long-term practical use rather than later polishing. These marks sit comfortably within the surface and enhance rather than detract, giving the piece an honest, worked character.

The interior retains its original removable metal liner, used to hold shaving soap or lather. The liner shows age-related wear and surface marking from repeated use and moisture exposure, exactly as expected. Beneath, the turned interior of the wooden body is visible, with concentric tool marks still present.

The underside of the lid is fitted with its original inset mirror. The plate shows age-related spotting and light foxing, with some water marking to the surface, but remains clearly reflective and entirely usable — a detail often lost or heavily degraded in comparable examples. Its survival here adds both functionality and completeness.

The base shows darker wear from standing, with a slightly more pronounced patina where it has rested over time, again entirely consistent with age.

Such boxes formed part of a gentleman’s daily shaving routine and would have accompanied travel or campaign dressing sets of the Georgian period, used by officers and travellers alike, though not specifically military issue.

A complete and honest example, combining good colour, strong patina and desirable original components, increasingly difficult to find intact.

Size: c. 8cm diameter, H 5cm

*Please go to our shop on Ebay for other similar items, we can also look to combine postage where possible