Presented is a superb quality antique French first standard silver and cut glass small vanity box or trinket box. This piece was made by Pierre Leplain and dates to the first quarter of the 1800s. The box itself is beautifully cut with diamond lattices and vertical fluting, while the lid is ornately decorated with foliate designs and pierced openwork. The silver has a gold wash throughout, giving the piece a very rich look. The lid has a monogram of S inside a shield beneath a crown.
Please note this is French first standard silver, which has a purity of 950, higher than sterling which is 925.
This piece is stamped with French hallmarks in various places on the lid. One the topmost side is the French first standard mark guaranteeing 950 purity silver, as used from 1819-1839. On the front lip of the lid and on the interior of the lid is a maker's mark and a French mark for the Association of Gold and Silversmiths. The right end of the lid is stamped with the French medium article guarantee mark (mask), and the silver mount on the glass itself is stamped on the front with the small article guarantee (rabbit's head). The maker's mark is very likely for Pierre Leplain, a silversmith working in the early 1800s.
This piece is in great overall condition. There is a very minor chip to one bottom corner, but this is very hard to notice without close careful inspection. The gold wash of the lid has some wear and some surface abrasions here and there, please view the photos carefully as they will give you the best idea of how the piece looks in real life. No splits, no dents, no monogram removals, and no repairs.
The box measures about 6 by 1 7/8 by 2 1/8 inches.
