Essex Jewelry and Antiques
French 18k Gold Box With Miniature Rose Painting c1783
Regular price
$1,800.00
Presented is an elegant French 18k gold, oxbone and silver box. Two of the gold bands, the one around the very top and around the very bottom as well as the oval band around the miniature painting of flowers, are solid 18K gold. The other two metal bands above and below the rim are gilt silver. The interior structure of the box is made out of silver, and the box has been lined with oxbone on the interior and the exterior. The lid of the box is mounted with a little miniature painting depicting a basket of roses and other flowers. The interior of the box has a mirror on the top and three compartments on the bottom. Two of the compartments have hinged covers made out of oxbone. They were probably made to store powder or rouge. The box was made in France between 1783 to 1789. This box is at least 220 years old.
The box is hallmarked on the gilt silver, on the interior rim, with a bird's head hallmark. This is the small article discharge mark for Paris that was in use between 1783 to 1789. This hallmark was only stamped after the tax was collected. Other hallmarks are not present almost certainly because of the size of the box. There is really no where to stamp any hallmark of any significant size. The discharge mark indicates that this article is silver, approximately sterling purity. There are also hallmarks on both the top and bottom 18 karat gold bands. The hallmarks are so small that they are difficult to photo, but one appears to be a leaf and the other appears to be an animal's head.
The box is in great overall condition, especially considering the age. There are four or five small cracks on the sides of the box that someone has painted over to conceal. This is not very noticeable. We have pointed out these cracks in our photographs. Because it is simply a veneer over the silver, the structural integrity of the box is not affected. The mirror on the interior of the lid is cracked and quite worn as you can see in the photos. Otherwise, the condition is excellent. The portrait on the top of the box is in great shape. The hinge is strong. The box opens well and closes very securely. There are no other problems.
The box measures 1 5/8 inches by 2 1/4 inches and is 7/8 inch tall.