Venetian Harbor Painted Scene Decorative Silver Plated Box
Decorative Object (Decorative Box / Cigarette Box / Trinket Box) · Unknown European or Italian manufacturer, likely mid-century tourist souvenir or novelty item producer.
Pattern: Venetian Canal / Harbor Landscape souvenir line
Type
Decorative Object (Decorative Box / Cigarette Box / Trinket Box)
Maker
Unknown European or Italian manufacturer, likely mid-century tourist souvenir or novelty item producer.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (such as brass, copper, or nickel silver alloy) with a painted canvas or panel insert under resin or glass, and velvet or felt lining.
Dimensions
Estimated dimensions: length 20 cm, width 14 cm, height 5 cm. Weight estimated around 400 to 600 grams.
Description
An attractive mid-century decorative box featuring a hinged lid inset with a colorful painted scene of a Venetian harbor at sunset featuring gondolas and historic architecture. The body of the box is adorned with textured patterned panels, silver-plated scrolling corner accents, and a distinctive central clasp. The piece serves as both a functional container and a charming decorative souvenir.
Key Features
Central polychrome Venetian harbor painting on the lid, textured crosshatch border design, silver-plated scrolling corners, and a decorative front latch.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (such as brass, copper, or nickel silver alloy) with a painted canvas or panel insert under resin or glass, and velvet or felt lining.
Finish & Decoration
Silver plating with applied etched or stamped scrolling corner motifs, guilloché or textured border bands, and a central polychrome painted landscape depicting Venetian gondolas and architecture at sunset.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No clear legible hallmarks visible in the provided image; typical items of this nature may feature minor stamped numbers or 'EP' (Electroplated) marks on the underside.
Construction Details
Machine-assisted stamping and assembly with riveted or soldered hinge mechanisms, corner mounts, and an applied decorative front clasp.
Functional Features
Hinged lid opening to a storage compartment intended for trinkets, cigarettes, or keepsakes, secured with a decorative frontal latch.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; features a decorative front latch plate for opening the hinged lid.
Craftsmanship Details
Combination of machine stamping for the structural metal elements and hand-finished painting for the lid inset, reflecting standard mid-century decorative souvenir production quality.
Authentication Indicators
Visual characteristics indicate a mid-20th century souvenir piece rather than fine antique solid silver. Close inspection for stamps and testing of the metal composition is advised.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Italy (Venice or Florence region) or another European decorative arts center as a travel souvenir.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century / Post-War souvenir era (circa 1950-1970).
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970, based on the style of the painted landscape and the assembly techniques.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in international tourism and the tradition of bringing home artistic decorative objects as mementos of European travel.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with minor surface wear, slight tarnish to the silver-plated mounts, and expected patina consistent with age and decorative display.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $30 and $100 USD depending on overall condition, quality of the painting, and presence of any maker's marks.
Care & Maintenance
Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh silver dips which can damage the painted panel and non-silver base metals. Polish silver-plated mounts sparingly with a non-abrasive cloth.
Similar Pieces
Italian Florentine painted wood boxes, Sorrento inlay boxes, and various European silver-plated or brass trinket boxes with pictorial insets.
Interesting Facts
Painted souvenir boxes depicting famous Italian landmarks such as the canals of Venice were extremely popular among mid-century international tourists travelling through Europe.