Regency Mahogany Apothecary Box

Description

This Regency Mahogany Apothecary Box, dating to circa 1820, is of rectangular form with a fitted upper compartment and single drawer below. The mahogany case is mounted with a flush brass carrying handle to the lid, a brass escutcheon to the front and a flush mounted brass handle to the drawer.

Opening the lid reveals a fully fitted interior containing an assortment of glass medicine bottles and vials, together with scales, a glass mortar and pestle and associated medical accessories. The inside of the lid retains its original trade label for The Medical Hall, 54 Lower Sackville Street, Dublin, Charles Butler M.D., Proprietor, with Established A.D. 1817 to one side and For the Sale of Genuine Medicines to the other. The small printed inscription beneath the illustration reads Myers, Sparrow & Co., London for the printer/engraver of the trade label.

The lower drawer is secured by a retaining pin accessed from the top of the box, which must be removed before the drawer can be opened. The drawer contains further fitted compartments for additional bottles and medical implements, retaining a substantial proportion of its original contents.

View the full Apothecary Boxes collection.

Measurements

24cm High x 23.5cm Wide x 12.5cm Deep (9.45 x 9.25 x 4.92 Inches)

What is Mahogany?

Mahogany is the name given to many types of tropical hardwood and can be found in Africa, India and South America, most of which are a red-brown colour with a fine, even grain. This makes it easily workable and gives it a durable finish which attributes to its popularity with many kinds of furniture.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Mahogany.

What is an Apothecary Box? 

An apothecary box was a self-contained, portable medical chest designed for wealthy households, country estates, and military officers. During an era when trained physicians were distant and costly, these secure wooden cabinets served as a family’s primary defense against routine illness.

Crafted from typically from dense mahogany or rosewood, the interior features tailored compartments holding hand-blown glass bottles for liquid tinctures. Lower flush-brass drawers housed scales, mortar and pestles, or concealed compartments for potent substances. Retaining original retailer trade labels, stoppered bottles, and period brass fittings makes these pieces exceptionally sought after by collectors.

What is the Regency period?

The Regency period refers to the British era from 1811 to 1820, when George, Prince of Wales, ruled as Prince Regent due to the mental illness of his father, King George III. In broader design and cultural terms, the style encompasses the broader movement from roughly 1795 to 1837.
Characterised by neoclassical inspiration, military campaign influences, and exquisite cabinetmaking, Regency design favoured rich timbers like mahogany and rosewood paired with fine brass inlay. This short yet influential era produced some of the most refined, functional, and sought-after antique furniture in British history.

Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques?

With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide.

Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality.

Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades.

When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.

Additional information