Mirror - .925 silver - Silver powder compact.

Compact powder case with pastoral relief carved in shale, a mineral prized for its porosity and fine texture, often used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for intricate carvings. The pastoral scene, which depicts figures in a garden, reflects the Romantic era of an idealized rural life. The workmanship details include the delicate depth reached in the bas-relief carving set against the smooth surface of the shale. The compact case in silver metal was widely used in the mid-20th century, and the insertion of ancient carved elements and the Silver (925) used in crafting this particular piece make it an interesting item for vanity collectors, who regard it as a miniature work of art for those who appreciate the intersection between functional accessories and decorative fine arts. The object features a hinged opening and has a mirror inside the lid. The structure presents a particularly elegant and sober appearance, typical of grooming and handbag accessories from a bygone era.

Condition: generally good considering its age. Normal surface marks and small scratches due to use and time, especially visible on the interior surface. The mirror shows some small signs of age.

The piece is intact in its context, showing the inevitable signs of time such as scratches. The carving is perfectly intact, the mirror is whole and shiny. The total piece weighs around 110 g with the 925 silver hallmark, though I do not know precisely how much silver it contains since the weight includes both the carved part and the inner mirror.

In any case, a fascinating and distinctive piece preserved through time.