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Antique European niello silver engraved snuff box, 19th century

Antique European niello silver engraved snuff box, 19th century

€200,00
€200,00
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European niello silver tobacco or snuff box with engraved oriental-inspired decoration and elegant gilded interior. Late 19th-century piece with a rounded rectangular shape and refined continuous ornamental work.

Snuff boxes were personal items widely used between the 18th and 19th centuries to store powdered tobacco, as well as small everyday items. This example stands out for its niello silver technique, a traditional decorative process that consists of filling engravings with a dark sulfurized alloy to create strong contrasts on the silver. The result is a surface rich in geometric and vegetal details, highly prized in 19th-century European decorative silversmithing. Its gilded interior protected the contents from oxidation and provided an elegant and functional finish.

  • Period / Style: Late 19th century
  • Origin: Europe
  • Circa: Late 19th century
  • Materials: Niello silver
  • Marks or Hallmarks: —
  • Acid Test: Performed
  • Measurements: 9.5 cm x 3.23 cm x 3 cm
  • Weight: 54.46 g

Condition: These items are not new; they show signs of wear and may have scratches typical of their age and use. Please examine the photos carefully. This piece has imperfections, dents, and some loss of niello in parts. We offer an accurate description; if you need to confirm a detail, please write to us before purchasing.

Things you should know

What you are buying (important)

We sell antique and vintage items, not new or freshly manufactured products. Due to their age and previous use, they may show signs of wear, marks, scratches, small losses, or variations typical of the passage of time. These characteristics are common in pieces with history and are part of their condition.

We recommend that you review the photographs carefully, as they show the actual condition of the piece. If you need to confirm any details before purchasing, please write to us.

Photos and color

The photographs are taken with artificial light, so the color may vary slightly depending on your screen and lighting. If color is a deciding factor for you, we can send you additional photographs taken in natural light to get as close as possible to the true tone.

Patina and cleaning

Many pieces have a patina as a natural consequence of the passage of time. We do not remove it, as it may have taken decades to form and, in many cases, contributes to the character and appearance of the piece.

If you decide to clean or polish a piece, do so with caution and keeping the material in mind. Improper cleaning can alter its surface, patina, appearance, and in some cases, its value. If you need guidance on cleaning a specific material, contact us and we will help you.

Customer service

We are available to answer your questions and help you shop with peace of mind. Write to us if you need additional measurements, more photographs, or any clarification regarding the condition, marks, or materials.

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