Ottoman Persian Style Hexagonal Silver Box with Ball Feet
Decorative Object / Snuff Box / Jewelry Box · Unknown Middle Eastern/West Asian artisan. The mark suggests a Tughra-inspired or local guild signature common in the Ottoman or Persian tradition, often associated with provincial or workshop production rather than a major European brand.
Pattern: Traditional Islamic / Middle Eastern Hexagonal Geometric, custom or small-batch production, common throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Type
Decorative Object / Snuff Box / Jewelry Box
Maker
Unknown Middle Eastern/West Asian artisan. The mark suggests a Tughra-inspired or local guild signature common in the Ottoman or Persian tradition, often associated with provincial or workshop production rather than a major European brand.
Material
Low to standard grade Silver (approx. 800-900 fineness). Common in the region for utility or decorative items; likely contains a higher copper content than sterling (.925), evidenced by the yellowish-brown oxidation patterns.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 8-10 cm (3-4 inches). Estimated weight: 120-180 grams based on gauge. Hexagonal form with three visible applied ball feet.
Description
A charming example of regional silverwork, this hexagonal box base rests on three distinctive ball feet. The piece exhibits the raw, honest construction of hand-wrought silver, with visible solder joins and a hand-struck workshop mark on the underside. Its geometric form is a hallmark of Islamic design, offering a tactile and historical connection to the silversmithing traditions of the Middle East.
Key Features
Hexagonal geometry, Arabic/Persian workshop mark, applied ball feet, and visible hand-soldered seams.
Material & Composition
Low to standard grade Silver (approx. 800-900 fineness). Common in the region for utility or decorative items; likely contains a higher copper content than sterling (.925), evidenced by the yellowish-brown oxidation patterns.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-planished and soldered with a matte, unpolished interior. The exterior likely features chasing or engraving (though not visible in this angle). Features applied spherical ball feet and a primitive soldered rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Single oval control mark containing Arabic/Persian script or a stylized Tughra (sultan's signature). In this orientation, it resembles a regional assay mark or the stamp of a specific workshop (Usta mark) used to guarantee silver content.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and fabricated. The hexagonal walls are joined to the base using lead-tin or silver solder, visible as dark lines in the seams. The ball feet are likely hollow-cast and soldered to the base corners.
Functional Features
Hinged or friction-fit lid (not pictured), spherical feet to protect surfaces and elevate the vessel. Intended for spices, snuff, or small trinkets.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present on the base; the ball feet serve as the primary structural grip and support for the vessel.
Craftsmanship Details
Naïve but sturdy craftsmanship. The hand-cutting of the hexagonal plate and the manual soldering of the feet indicate a workshop setting rather than industrial factory production.
Authentication Indicators
The depth and strike of the Arabic mark are consistent with hand-striking. Wear patterns on the ball feet suggest long-term use. The oxidation color is typical for 800-grade silver from this region.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Turkey (Istanbul), Egypt, or Iran (Isfahan). These regions have deep traditions of hexagonal geometry and specific Arabic calligraphy hallmarks.
Era & Period
Late Ottoman or Qajar Period (late 19th to early 20th Century). The style reflects the transition from traditional handicraft to commercial export wares for the Western market.
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1930. The uneven soldering and the specific wear of the mark are consistent with early 20th-century provincial manufacturing.
Cultural Significance
Represents the domestic silver trade of the Middle East during the colonial era, often purchased by European travelers as souvenirs or used locally for storing ceremonial incense or tobacco.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant tarnish and oxidation (sulfide deposits) on the base. Visible solder overflow at the joints. One foot shows a small flat spot from wear. Surface scratches consistent with age.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value depends heavily on the decoration of the lid (not shown) and the specific translation of the mark.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid chemical dips which can strip the internal solder. Store in a dry environment to prevent further heavy oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Egyptian 'Sterling' (Lotus marked) hexagonal boxes; Persian Isfahan engraved boxes (usually have 84 marks); Turkish Tughra silver (usually more elaborate).
Interesting Facts
The hexagonal shape in Islamic silver symbolizes the 'Seal of Solomon' or harmony. Similar marks were often controlled by local 'Sahs' or inspectors in bazaars to ensure the silver hadn't been over-alloyed with copper.