French .800 Silver Neoclassical Style Pill Box
Decorative Object / Snuff Box / Pill Box · Unknown French Silversmith; likely a regional workshop active in the late 19th or early 20th century. French makers often used a lozenge-shaped 'poinçon de maître' containing their initials and a symbol.
Pattern: Traditional Neoclassical Canted Corner Rectangular Form; non-pattern specific.
Type
Decorative Object / Snuff Box / Pill Box
Maker
Unknown French Silversmith; likely a regional workshop active in the late 19th or early 20th century. French makers often used a lozenge-shaped 'poinçon de maître' containing their initials and a symbol.
Material
.800 Silver (80% purity). This is a common continental European standard, slightly lower than Sterling (.925) but more durable for small boxes. It is solid silver throughout with no base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated 4.5cm x 3cm x 1.5cm; weight approximately 15-25 grams. Small enough for a vest pocket or vanity display.
Description
This charming French silver box features a sophisticated octagonal silhouette created by its canted corners. The lid is strikingly minimalist with a single central hallmark that doubles as a decorative focal point, while the sides provide a tactile contrast with their textured ornamentation. It is a quintessential example of 'bijouterie', designed for elegance and utility.
Key Features
Incuse lozenge-shaped maker's mark struck centrally; canted corners; .800 silver fineness; friction closure.
Material & Composition
.800 Silver (80% purity). This is a common continental European standard, slightly lower than Sterling (.925) but more durable for small boxes. It is solid silver throughout with no base metal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on the lid with a central rectangular cartouche; the sides feature relief work or chasing. The form is a 'canted corner' or cut-corner rectangle, typical of Neoclassical influence.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The image shows a visible lozenge-shaped hallmark in the center of the lid, consistent with the French 'Poinçon de Maître'. There is likely a 'Sanglier' (boar's head) or 'Crabe' (crab) mark on the rim indicating .800 fineness for small items.
Construction Details
Fabricated from rolled silver sheet metal. The corners have been cut and joined, likely with a flush-mount hinge on the back. The hallmark was struck into the lid after assembly.
Functional Features
Hinged lid with a friction-fit closure. Designed to be airtight and moisture-resistant for pills, snuff, or small keepsakes.
Handle & Grip Details
Gripless design; relies on a slight lip or protrusion of the lid to open. The hinge appears to be integrated into the body (hidden or barrel hinge).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-pressed base with hand-soldered hinge and hand-polished surfaces. The hallmark strike is crisp, indicating high-quality die work.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a lozenge-shaped mark is a strong indicator of French origin. The proportions and hinge construction are consistent with authentic late 19th-century French small-work.
Origin & Manufacturing
France; likely Paris or a major regional center like Lyon. Hand-finished factory production.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian Era (c. 1890-1915). The clean lines and canted corners reflect a revival of the Louis XVI Neoclassical style popular at the turn of the century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900. The hallmark style and the use of the canted-corner form are diagnostic of the late 19th and early 20th century French silversmithing trade.
Cultural Significance
Represents the Belle Époque era's focus on elegant daily accessories, where even the smallest utilitarian items were expected to be made of precious metal and beautifully designed.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Light surface scratches and minor pitting consistent with age. One small indentation near the center hallmark. Tarnish is light but visible in the crevices.
Value Estimate
$100 - $180 USD, depending on the clarity of the maker's mark and the detail on the side panels.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and a gentle silver cream like Wright's. Avoid silver dips which can strip the protective oxidation in the recessed side-patterns. Store in an acid-free box.
Similar Pieces
English George III snuff boxes (usually .925 and larger), German '800' Hanau boxes (usually more ornate and heavily chased).
Interesting Facts
French silver boxes like these were often used as 'boîtes à pilules' (pill boxes) or as luxury packaging for expensive confectionary or solid perfumes.