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Antique European niello silver engraved snuff box, 19th century

Antique European niello silver engraved snuff box, 19th century

Regular price €200,00
Regular price Sale price €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. 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.

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