It was unexpected that, at the age of 64, William IV was crowned king of England. He had two older brothers, yet the death of Prince Frederick put him in line for the British throne when George IV died in 1830. His reign was brief, as he died on June 20, 1837, but it was a pivotal time of change, with parliamentary reform leading to the present-day constitutional monarchy. Antique William IV–style furniture reflects this period of transition, with forms that bridged the neoclassicism of the preceding Regency style and the more extravagant Victorian style that would follow.
Inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, William IV designs were often more imposing than Regency furniture and featured decorative attributes. There were sofas balanced on lion’s feet and tables with brass fittings. But furnishings of this period were largely marked by straight lines and subdued ornamentation compared to those of the George IV era. William IV had an unassuming way about him and was much more formal, whereas the ruler who preceded him was a king of extravagance. George IV had an affinity for French decor and was heavily invested in overhauling the private residences at Windsor Castle.
Carvings on William IV four-poster beds and cabinets included scrolling shapes, lotus leaves and acanthus, while popular pieces like tilt-top tables and upholstered seating on caster legs provided flexible interiors. Richly toned woods like mahogany and rosewood were used for sideboards, bedposts boasting reeded details and dining chairs with intricate chair backs and turned front legs.
William IV left no legitimate heirs, so his young niece, Victoria, became queen. She would lead an era of taste in which the innovations of the Industrial Revolution allowed for manufacturing showier furniture to fill elaborate interiors. With its comparatively refined forms and restrained designs, William IV style was a pause before a time of radical aesthetic change.
Find a collection of authentic William IV tables, armchairs, decorative objects and other 19th-century furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
Mother of Pearl Inlaid William IV Tea Caddy
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine William IV tea caddy with mother of pearl inlay in rosewood ground, the overall sarcophagus form, having palm fronds and folia...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Antique English Rosewood Inlaid Sewing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Inlaid with floral sprays of engraved mother of pearl and brass From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to offer this William IV Rosewood Inlaid Sewing Box. The Sewing Box ...
Silver
Antique Georgian Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
With a Fitted Sewing Box Interior From our Tunbridge Ware collection, we are delighted to offer this Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box. The Rosewood box of rectangular form extensively inla...
Wood
19th Century English Mahogany and Brass Campaign Chest, Small Scale
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century William IV period mahogany campaign box or small chest with brass mounts. An unusual size for this type of chest, quite handsome, and large enough to store a fair amount...
Brass
English William IV Stickware Tunbridge & Rosewood Stationery Box c.1835
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome piece of early Tunbridge Ware dating to around 1835, William IV in era. Made from wood this small stationery box is decorated with intricate Tunbridge Stickware inlay. The interior has been professionally re-lined in a handsome hand-marbled paper; the size of the interior would suit...
Wood
William IV Goncalo Alves Jewelry Box, Antique Inlays, England, 1840
Located in High Peak, GB
K0123, stunning William IV goncalo alves work box / jewelry box, having quadrant beading and fine decorative inlays to the front and to the hinged top which opens to reveal newly rel...
Wool
$2,665Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Teapoy English William iv Rosewood Work Box, 19th Century, circa 1835
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique teapoy, an English, William IV, rosewood work box dating to the early 19th century, circa 1835. Superb color in the polished rosew...
Rosewood
Antique Georgian Amboyna Sewing Box
By William Dobson
Located in Northampton, GB
Veneered in Amboyna Wood From our Sewing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Amboyna Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of rectangular shape veneered in Amboyna with a circular mo...
Bone, Shell, Amboyna
19th Century Burr Walnut Double Hinged Writing Slope with Brass Edges and Inlay
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Brass bound and inlaid burled walnut travel desk of large size and with double hinges. The first section lifts to a vertical position with document storage in the lid, the second sec...
Brass
Rare Georgian Engine Turned Sewing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Rare Engine Turned Design The Sewing Box of slight sarcophagus shape stood upon four turned ribbed feet. The Sewing Box tapers up to the convex raised lid and features scrolling fl...
Brass
English Burl Walnut & Figural Cherub Wedgewood Letter Box with Mounts, C. 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
English Burl walnut and figural cherub wedge-wood hinged letter box with compartmentalized fitted interior, locking mechanism with key, decorative circular rope motif, and original e...
Brass
William IV Sterling Silver Newstead Abbey Vinaigrette by Taylor & Perry, 1835
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1835 by Taylor & Perry this remarkable William IV sterling silver vinaigrette is of a rectangular form with a hinged lid. The 'castle top' lid is deco...
Sterling Silver
William IV Pocket Nutmeg Grater Made in Birmingham by Joseph Willmore, 1836
Located in London, GB
A Very Fine William IV Pocket Nutmeg Grater Made in Birmingham in 1836 by Joseph Willmore. The Nutmeg Grater is of a large size, with reeded rounded sides. The hinged cover is engra...
Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs, c1835
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs, c1835 Additional Information: Heading: Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs Date : c1835 ...
Rosewood
Nathaniel Mills Antique Sterling Silver Vinaigrette
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique William IV English sterling silver castle top vinaigrette depicting Newstead Abbey; an addition to our collectable box collection. This exceptional antique William IV silver vinaigrette has a rectangular form with rounded corners. The cover of this fine Nathaniel Mills vinaigrette is embellished with a scene of Newstead Abbey in high relief. The sides and the underside of the box are ornamented with panels of engine turned decoration, accented with an impressive elongated applied thumb piece ornamented with leaf and bud designs. The decoration to the underside incorporates a rectangular vacant cartouche. Both the base and cover are embellished with applied moulded borders. The hinged silver vinaigrette cover allows access to the original hallmarked hinged, pierced decorated silver gilt grille. The vinaigrette retains the original gilding to the surface and interior. A former Augustinian priory which is known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. This Abbey, situated in Nottinghamshire, is now publicly owned by the local Council and houses a museum displaying a tribute to Byron memorabilia. Condition This antique Nathaniel Mills vinaigrette is a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition. The decoration is very sharp and very crisp. The original gilding is in exceptional condition, in keeping with age. There is some discoloration to the interior of the grille, in keeping with age. Full hallmarks struck to the interior are all very clear; the nature of this piece dictates the location of the part hallmarks to the underside of the grille, resulting in the maker's mark and lion passant being partially visible. Reflections in photographs may detract from this fine example of antique silverware. Dimensions: Length 4.2 cm / 1.7" Width 2.7 cm / 1.1" Height 0.9 cm / 0.4" Weight 1 troy ounce / 30.2 g Maker: Nathanial Mills...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Carved & Polished Cow Horn William IV Portrait Patch Box, England, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
This 19th-century English patch box dates to the early–mid 1800s and is carved and polished from cow horn. It consists of two carved sections and measures approximately 2 inches in d...
Horn
Rare William IV period sterling silver lockable box made in London in 1831
By Charles Reily & George Storer
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1831 by Charles Reily & George Storer, this very handsome, Antique, William IV period, Sterling Silver Box, is plain in design, with reed borders, and an engr...
Sterling Silver
Antique William IV Sterling Silver Table Snuff Box
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique William IV English sterling silver table snuff box; an addition to our collectable silverware collection. This exceptional antique William IV sterling silver snuff box has a rectangular, rounded form. The body of the box is embellished with impressive chased floral motifs accented with scrolling stem and foliate ornamentation, all on a matte background. The decoration to the body incorporates a chased single leaf design to each corner, emanating from the rounded lower portion. The upper rim of the body and swept sides of the cover are encompassed with a continuous band of engine turned decoration. The underside of the box features a further panel of engine turned decoration. This exceptional example of antique silverware is fitted with a hinged hallmarked cover embellished with an engine turned bordered rectangular vacant cartouche to the upper plateau. The cover is further embellished with an exceptional cast and applied domed, incurved border to the upper portion, matching the ornamentation to that of the body and continuing to an impressive floral thumbpiece to the anterior edge. This antique sterling silver snuff box opens to reveal the original gilded interior. Condition This antique sterling silver snuff box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The chased and applied ornamentation is all very sharp and the engine turned decoration is all very crisp. Full hallmarks struck to the interior of the box are all very clear. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this antique silverware. Dimensions Length 9.8cm/3.9" Width 6.5cm/2.6" Height 4.3cm/1.7" Weight 8.2 troy ounces/253g Maker: Joseph Willmore...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Quality antique Victorian tunbridge ware inlaid tea caddy
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality antique Victorian tunbridge ware inlaid tea caddy having a lovely antique Victorian tunbridge ware inlaid tea caddy with beautiful detail to the box opening to reveal two rec...
Wood
19th Century English Victorian Copper and Brass Coal Scuttle Bucket
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique coal scuttle next to a fireplace or hearth for both function and charm. Crafted in England, circa 1880, the oblong bucket is hand-hammered in copper and si...
Brass, Copper
Miniature 19th Century Victorian Figured Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c. Charming antique miniature chest of drawers. The chest has a marble top. The case is figured mahogany, with four stacked drawers, the ...
Marble, Brass
Antique English Inlaid Mahogany Tea Caddy, circa 1790
Located in Bath, GB
A very handsome George III tea caddy, made from Mahogany and beautifully inlaid with panels and highly decorative foliate marquetry to the front and top. The top has a handsome cast ...
Mahogany
Antique English Regency Period Rosewood Inlaid Box, Circa 1820.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Regency Period Rosewood Inlaid Box, Circa 1820.
Rosewood
Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy With Inlaid Mother Of Pearl
Located in Dallas, TX
Tortoiseshell tea caddy with inlaid mother of pearl from England. Metal lined under two lids. Excellent condition, circa 1860.
Tortoise Shell, Mother-of-Pearl
$767
H 3.51 in W 11.46 in D 9.61 in
Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs, c1835
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs, c1835 Additional Information: Heading: Tunbridge Ware - An Early Writing Slope with Geometric Designs Date : c1835 ...
Rosewood
English c. 1835 Coromandel Jewelry Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1835 English coromandel jewelry box. "Secret" release tray in base. Bramah type lock. Brass engraving shield, no monogram. Fine quality interior brass engraved mounts and hardw...
Wood
Antique English Georgian Silver Tea Caddy by William Vincent
Located in Northampton, GB
Hallmarked Sterling by William Vincent of London Dated 1779 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of slight...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Country English Chest with House Facade Georgian Trunk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming folk art 19th-century country English pine blanket chest or box featuring a Georgian manor house facade on the outside. The storage box has a hinged top and handles on each ...
Iron
English Regency Brass Inlaid Sewing Box, c1810
Located in valatie, NY
English Regency brass inlaid sewing box, c1810, rosewood with original silk interior raised on gilt brass feet. The top lifts to a divided interi...
Brass
William IV Boulle Tea Caddy
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine William IV period brass inlaid rosewood tea caddy of overall sarcophagus form, having campaign type flush fitted handles, the interior with original glass mixing bowl and t...
Brass
Antique English Vanity Box in Rosewood by Howell James & Co
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Vanity box in rosewood by Howell, James & Co, dating to 1837 during the late Georgian period and the reign of William IV. The box is of rectangular form wit...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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H 1.5 in W 3.6 in D 2.6 in
Very Fine William IV Silver Gilt and Glass Soap Box by Thomas Dicks, 1836
By Thomas Dicks
Located in London, GB
A Very Fine William IV Silver Gilt and Glass Soap Box Made in London in 1836 by Thomas Dicks. The Soap Box has a broad rectangular form with cut glass square cut base. The beautiful silver gilt pull off cover displays an outer rim of acorns and oak leaves. The central panel is engraved with engine turned designs and pierced with pluming feathery scrolls. The central gold "Button" cartouche is engraved with a set of contemporary mirror cipher initials. The box is quite excellent condition and is very well marked on the underside of the cover. Thomas Dicks specialised in silver mounted glass and travelling vanity sets...
Silver
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H 4.02 in W 3.08 in D 0.48 in
Calling card case made from mother of pearl, English, William IV period, C1830
Located in Central England, GB
This fine and rare example of an early 19th-century British gentleman's calling card case is beautifully veneered in pale shimmering mother of pearl, and delicately hand-engraved to ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Velvet
William 1Vth English circular Footstool Box Inlaid Hardwood, Circa 1830
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a rare example of an English Combination Lidded Foot Stool complete with an integral box or sewing box, hardwood with inlaid detail and dating to the early 19th century, Will...
Fabric, Hardwood, Walnut
Georgian Rare Pair of Inlaid Rosewood Sewing Boxes
Located in Northampton, GB
Rosewood and Mother of Pearl From our Sewing Box collection, we are thrilled to offer this pair of Georgian Rosewood Sewing Boxes. The Sewing Boxes of rectangular shape veneered in ...
Wood
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H 4.38 in W 8.63 in D 6.54 in
A Sarcophagal Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box with Isometric Cube Design, c1835
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
A Sarcophagal Tunbridge Ware Sewing Box with Isometric Cube Design, c1835 Additional Information: Heading: Tunbridge Ware - A Sarcophagal Se...
Rosewood
19th Century English Carved & Polished Cow Horn William IV Portrait Patch Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century English Carved & Polished Cow Horn William IV Portrait Patch Box England Early to Mid 19th Century We are pleased to offer this exceptional 19th Century English Carved...
Horn
Circa 1830 English Stag & Naturalistic Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
English circa 1830 stag & naturalistic inlaid box. The front & top extensively inlaid, featuring a pair of stags among foliage. Sarcophagus form. Once fitted as a tea caddy. Satinwoo...
Satinwood
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H 1.74 in W 3.75 in D 2.56 in
Thomas Diller Glass Trinket Box with Gilt Sterling SIlver Cover, 1837
By Thomas Diller
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Thomas Diller Glass Trinket Box with Gilt Sterling SIlver Cover, 1837 Additional information: Date : Hallmarked between the 20th of May and the 20th of June in 1837. The makers mark...
Sterling Silver
Circa 1830, Walnut Brass Bound Lap Desk with Custom Stand
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1830 George IV-William IV walnut brass bound & strapped lap desk, now on custom made stand as a side table. Shaped brass escutcheon, handles & engraving plate (never engraved) ...
Brass
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H 13.75 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Large William IV Rosewood Tea Caddy with Mother-of-Pearl Inlays, ca. 1835
Located in Banner Elk, NC
An unusually large William IV rosewood tea caddy, of sarcophagus form with finely inlaid mother-of-pearl medallions with stylized flowers acanthus leaves, the escutcheon plate with further similar decoration, the interior with both original rosewood compartments, with lion mask ring pulls to either side, on original solid rosewood bun-form feet, with paper label to reverse, 'Buckley, The Homestead...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood