Antique silver and niello snuff box with an engraved Orientalist scene. Circa 1890-1900, 85 grams.
Antique silver and niello snuff box with an engraved Orientalist scene. Circa 1890-1900, 85 grams.
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Antique silver snuffbox or pillbox, decorated with niello, a type of black enamel applied to engraved cavities, very characteristic of 19th-century Russian and Balkan silverware. The lid features an engraved orientalist figurative scene with two figures in courtly poses, one offering a drink to the other, beneath an ornate architectural arch, surrounded by a symmetrical composition of oriental inspiration. It's a heavy piece, made of solid silver!
The body of the snuffbox is lavishly decorated on all sides with repetitive geometric motifs and borders that combine niello and burin engraving. The interior is gilded (vermeil), a common technique for this type of piece to protect the contents.
Characteristics:
Approximate dimensions: 80 cm long and 4.7 cm wide. Weight: 85.58 grams
**Composition:
Main material: Nielloed silver. Hallmarks: Two hallmarks are barely visible, although we believe this box could be of Russian, Turkish, or Eastern European manufacture.
Acid test: Performed.
Other materials: No.
**Additional Details: These items are not new; they show signs of use and may have scratches and tarnish due to age. This box has some tarnished interior areas and wear on the exterior. Please review the photos carefully. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
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Things you should know
Things you should know
What you are buying (important)
We sell antique and vintage items. These are not new or recently manufactured products. Due to their age and previous use, they may show signs of wear, marks, scratches, minor losses, or variations inherent to the passage of time. These characteristics are part of their nature and are not considered defects. We recommend carefully reviewing the photographs, as they show the actual condition of the piece. If you need to confirm a specific detail before purchasing, please contact us.
Photos and color
The photographs are taken under artificial light. For this reason, the color may vary slightly depending on your screen and lighting. If color is critical for you, we can send you additional photos taken in natural light to get as close as possible to the actual color.
Patina and cleaning
Many pieces develop a patina over time. We don't remove it, as it's a natural process that can take decades to form and, in many cases, contributes to the piece's aesthetic value and character.
If you decide to clean or polish, do so carefully and with the material in mind. The buyer should make this decision, as cleaning can affect the appearance, authenticity, and, in some cases, the value. If you need cleaning instructions based on the material, please contact us and we'll guide you.
Customer service
We're available to answer your questions and help you shop with confidence. Write to us if you need additional measurements, extra photos, or clarification on the condition, brands, or materials.
