Victorian Repoussé Sterling Silver Trinket Box
Hollowware (Trinket Box, Jewelry Box, or Powder Jar) · Unknown American or British Silversmith (Pattern reminiscent of Unger Bros or Gorham)
Pattern: Rococo Revival Floral and Scroll Pattern
Type
Hollowware (Trinket Box, Jewelry Box, or Powder Jar)
Maker
Unknown American or British Silversmith (Pattern reminiscent of Unger Bros or Gorham)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with high likelihood of being hollow-constructed but solid silver purity
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 cm diameter; 3-5 cm height; approximately 120-180 grams
Description
A classic examples of turn-of-the-century vanity silver, this circular box features an ornate lid heavily decorated with swirling scrolls and intricate floral patterns in high relief. The design language emphasizes the luxury of the Belle Époque, intended for use on a lady's dressing table to hold pins, jewelry, or face powder.
Key Features
Deep-relief repoussé work, undulating scroll borders, and a stippled background (planished) texture used to provide contrast to the polished motifs
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with high likelihood of being hollow-constructed but solid silver purity
Finish & Decoration
Heavy repoussé and chasing featuring scrolling acanthus leaves, floral motifs, and a central domed cartouche; oxidized recessed areas to highlight detail
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped 'Sterling' or with British Hallmarks on the inner rim or underside (not visible in photo)
Construction Details
Die-struck and hand-chased; the lid is formed from a single sheet of silver hammered into a mold
Functional Features
Removable or hinged friction-fit lid designed for the secure storage of small vanity items
Handle & Grip Details
Domed lid serves as the primary grip; no external handles; smooth thumb-lip potentially on the edge
Craftsmanship Details
Highly skilled die-work supplemented by hand-chasing; the relief is deep and well-defined without showing cracks or thinning of the metal (blow-outs)
Authentication Indicators
Consistent wear patterns on high points of the repoussé; hallmark placement typically found on the flange of the lid or base; construction matches late 19th-century mass-production techniques
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (Newark/Providence) or England (Birmingham/Sheffield) produced in a specialized workshop
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian Period (c. 1890-1910) characterized by Rococo Revival aesthetics
Age Estimate
Circa 1900 based on the Art Nouveau influences mixed with Victorian floral density
Cultural Significance
Represents the rise of the middle-class 'Gilded Age' consumer who sought affordable luxury items to signal social status and domestic refinement
Condition Notes
Very Good; exhibits heavy tarnish/sulfide deposits that require professional cleaning; minimal visible denting; structural integrity appears sound
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on the specific maker's mark and the presence of any monograms
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's and a soft horsehair brush to reach into the deep crevices of the chasing; avoid abrasive dips that strip the desired patina from recessed areas
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Chrysanthemum' or 'Wave' patterns; Unger Bros 'Love's Dream' floral cases; S. Kirk & Sons floral repoussé bowls
Interesting Facts
Items like this were often sold in 'vanity sets' that included matching hair brushes, mirrors, and perfume bottles to create a cohesive luxury aesthetic