Modernist .915 Silver Figural Torso Matchbox Cover or Snuff Box
Decorative Object / Vanity Box · Unknown Spanish or Latin American Silversmith with hallmark style consistent with mid-20th century artisans. The piece lacks a clear manufacturer logo but features a distinctive .915 purity stamp common in Spain.
Pattern: Modernist Figural Nude Collection; likely a one-off or small workshop production piece from the mid-century era.
Type
Decorative Object / Vanity Box
Maker
Unknown Spanish or Latin American Silversmith with hallmark style consistent with mid-20th century artisans. The piece lacks a clear manufacturer logo but features a distinctive .915 purity stamp common in Spain.
Material
.915 Silver (91.5% purity). This is a standard often used in Spain, slightly lower than sterling (.925) but higher than 800 silver. The item appears to be solid silver, not plated.
Dimensions
Standard palm-size accessory; approximately 6 cm in length and 4 cm in width. Estimated weight 30-50 grams based on hollowware look.
Description
A striking example of Modernist silver craft, this piece features an abstracted male or female torso. Its tactile, high-polish surface invites handling, while the minimalist representation of the human form reflects the influence of sculptors like Henry Moore or Jean Arp. The piece functions both as a functional pocket accessory and a miniature sculpture.
Key Features
Simplified anatomical form, distinctive .915 silver purity stamp, and hand-stippled signature on the reverse. The fluid, seamless appearance of the 'shoulders' and 'hips' is a key design trait.
Material & Composition
.915 Silver (91.5% purity). This is a standard often used in Spain, slightly lower than sterling (.925) but higher than 800 silver. The item appears to be solid silver, not plated.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with stippled/dotted engraving. The design is a minimalist, abstracted human torso with organic, undulating lines consistent with mid-century modern biomorphic art.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with '.915' indicating the silver fineness. Above the purity mark is a hand-stippled or stipple-engraved script, likely a signature or a location mark made with a vibrating engraver tool.
Construction Details
Forged or stamped from two sheets of silver and soldered at the seams. The soft, rounded edges suggest a hollow construction that has been hand-finished and polished to conceal joints.
Functional Features
Hollow interior designed to slide over a standard small matchbox or to act as a decorative handheld container for small items. No visible hinges are shown, suggesting a slip-cover design.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; the entire body serves as the grip. The biomorphic curves are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality soldering and finishing. The ability to create such a smooth, bulbous form without visible crimping or tool marks indicates a skilled silversmith adept at planishing and buffing.
Authentication Indicators
The .915 stamp is consistent with genuine silver hallmarks from the period. The wear pattern is natural and concentrated on the high points of the curves. Hand-engraved signature suggests an artisan workshop rather than mass production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Spain, indicated by the .915 silver standard. The Mediterranean region has a long tradition of producing specialized 915 silver objects for local and export markets.
Era & Period
Modernist Era (c. 1950-1970). The abstracted human form and biomorphic shape are hallmarks of the post-war European and American art movements.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960. The stippled engraving technique and the 915 purity mark are consistent with Spanish silver production from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from ornate Victorian silver to the psychological and artistic focus of the Modernist movement, where function and fine art merged in everyday objects.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition. Visible surface scratches and micro-abrasions consistent with pocket use ('pocket wear'). Some slight tarnish in the recessed engraving. No major dents or structural repairs visible. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value is driven by the artistic Modernist design rather than silver weight alone, though lack of a famous maker's mark keeps it in an accessible range.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive polishes or 'dips' which can strip the hand-engraved details. Store in a soft pouch to prevent further pocket scratches.
Similar Pieces
Mexican .925 Modernist boxes by Tane or Taxco artisans; Finnish .813H or .925 figural silver. Differences lie in the specific hallmark standards and the level of anatomical abstraction.
Interesting Facts
Spain adopted the .915 standard for 'Plata de Primera Ley' (First Law Silver) for much of the 20th century. Abstracted silver bodies like this were popular as 'worry pieces' or tactile totems in mid-century design.