Box - .950 silver - antique silver box

Antique French silver box – Late 18th / early 19th century

Description

Elegant antique silver box of French origin, dated between the late 18th and early 19th centuries (c. 1790–1820).

The piece features refined hand-engraved decoration. The lid is adorned with a delicate repeating geometric motif, while the sides display elegant vegetal decoration in a neoclassical style, characteristic of the taste of the transitional period between the 18th and 19th centuries.

Its construction reveals high-quality craftsmanship, with the original hinge and an interior completely handmade. Due to its dimensions, it was probably intended to hold snuff, pills, small personal objects, or seals.

Inside it preserves two old punches. One depicts a head inside a diamond-shaped or polygonal cartouche, while the second corresponds to a male head.

The typology of the punches, together with the decorative style and the craftsmanship, allows attributing the piece to French production of the late 18th or early 19th century. The exact identification of the punches requires specialized study.

The box retains an attractive original patina and is in very good condition, with wear normal for a piece over two hundred years old.

It is an excellent collectible item, especially interesting for collectors of French silver, antique boxes, and period desk objects.

Features
• Origin: France.
• Era: late 18th – early 19th century (c. 1790–1820).
• Material: Silver.
• Technique: Hand-engraved silver.
• Dimensions: 4 × 2.5 × 1.5 cm.
• Punches: Two old punches visible inside.
• Condition: Very good condition, with light patina and wear appropriate to its age.