Featured Nice wood box… 1890 or 1990?

I have been wondering if this is a reproduction?
Measurements 10.5”X6”X6”. It’s a lovely box with a red satin interior. What might it have been used for? What type of wood is it, oak? I attempted gentle cleaning of the metal and it does not respond to a silver cleaning rag. Inside a little storage compartment on top (what is it for?) it states “PAT.MAY27.90”. 1890 or 1990, lol?
It was cheap and it will come in handy, however old it is.
Thanks for looking!

 

I did find this similar one on Worthpoint, seller appears to believe it's 1890. I don't have a Worthpoint subscription so I can't see the sale price.

1890s Wood Collar Box/Ornate Silver Stud Holder in Lid | #46103508 (worthpoint.com)

 

Looks like oak to me too. Doubt it's a repro.

 

Thanks, Bronwen! The more I look at it, the more I think it is Victorian. The condition, however, is so good that I was doubting its age.

 

Beautiful, bluumz. I also think it is the real deal.

 

Just nicely refinished, but thinking old too!!

 

Agree, I think it's an original but it has been stripped and re-finished which it why it looks like it does.

 

That’s a beautiful box. Love the grain. And you say it was cheap?! Great buy then. Have you figured out what that little compartment is for? Something specific or just a added little feature?

 

The Worthpoint collar box states the compartment is for collar/shirt studs but my box isn't shaped like a collar box. The inner divider is off center and therefore each of the two inner compartments is a different size. I haven't yet figured out it's purpose so I've no ideas for the little compartment in the lid, either.

 

I don't see any signs of it having been refinished?

 

Ok. Well nice box

 

That makes sense, thank you!

 

Thanks

 

Beautiful box. I love these. I would agree 1890 and tiger oak. Is the small compartment big enough for cuff buttons?

 

The patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US428866A/en?oq=US428866





~Cheryl

 

Thank you!
Yes, I'd say it is. The opening is approximately 6.5cm x 3.5cm.

Wow, thanks!!

 

Now that I know it's purpose, my search produced two more similar examples:

Antique Oak Collar Box with Button Storage...Dated 1890's | #1812777056 (worthpoint.com)
1890 Victorian-Tiger Oak Collar Box-Trinket Compartment | #29293719 (worthpoint.com)

So far, they're all a bit smaller than mine.