Vintage Repoussé Silver-Plated Trinket and Pill Boxes Set
Hollowware - Trinket Box and Pill Box Set · Unknown Continental European or American Silverplate Manufacturer, likely mid-20th century production specializing in novelty vanity and decorative accessories
Pattern: Romantic Pastoral and Floral Repoussé Collection, unsigned mass-market decorative line, popular throughout the mid-20th century
Type
Hollowware - Trinket Box and Pill Box Set
Maker
Unknown Continental European or American Silverplate Manufacturer, likely mid-20th century production specializing in novelty vanity and decorative accessories
Material
Silver-plated base metal, likely brass or white metal (nickel silver/german silver) core underneath the electroplated silver finish
Dimensions
Larger box approximately 4 inches by 3 inches; smaller box approximately 2 inches by 1.5 inches. Total weight estimated under 200 grams due to plated base metal construction
Description
A charming pair of vintage silver-plated boxes consisting of a larger rectangular trinket box and a smaller matching pill box. The larger box depicts a detailed pastoral courting scene in high relief on the lid, bordered by a delicate floral garland and supported by four ornate feet. The smaller box showcases an intricate all-over floral and rose motif with scrolled corners. The oxidized finish highlights the dimensional relief work, giving them an appealing antique aesthetic.
Key Features
High-relief pictorial repoussé depicting 18th-century romantic figures; contrasting rectangular and shaped pill box forms; antiqued finish highlighting intricate background texturing
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal, likely brass or white metal (nickel silver/german silver) core underneath the electroplated silver finish
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and antiqued finish with high-relief repoussé and chased decoration. The larger rectangular box features a romantic courting scene with an 18th-century style lady with a fan and a gentleman on a terrace overlooking a landscape with mountains. The smaller box features a dense floral and rose motif with rococo-style scroll borders
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in image; typically stamped with EPNS, Made in Germany, Italy, or Japan on the interior rim or base
Construction Details
Die-struck and stamped components, hinged lids with soldered pin hinges, and assembled with interior lining or raw plated metal interiors, manufactured using mid-20th-century industrial stamping and plating techniques
Functional Features
Hinged lid closures for storing small personal items such as trinkets, stamps, pills, or cufflinks
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; features small decorative bracket feet on the larger rectangular box and an integrated thumb-lift lip on the smaller box
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped and die-pressed metal sheets utilizing mechanical repoussé effects rather than hand-chased artisan work, standard for mid-century decorative novelty items
Authentication Indicators
Typical mass-market manufacturing traits of the mid-20th century; lack of precious metal hallmarks strongly suggests silver-plated base metal rather than solid sterling silver
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely European (Germany, Italy) or Japanese export manufacture, common origins for mid-century novelty silverplate vanity items
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern era production mimicking 18th-century Georgian and Rococo Revival styles
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970 based on the style of repoussé work, construction, and common distribution patterns for such tourist and vanity items
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th-century fascination with romanticized historical aesthetics, serving as affordable vanity table accessories that brought a touch of perceived aristocratic elegance to everyday homes
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with expected surface wear, minor micro-scratches, and light tarnish in recessed areas. The silver plating appears intact with no major base metal bleed-through visible in the photograph. Hinges appear functional. Overall grade: Very Good for vintage decorative items
Value Estimate
Market value ranges from $25 to $75 for the set, heavily dependent on condition, maker marks if present, and local antique or vintage market demand
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft microfiber cloth and a mild silver polish specifically formulated for silverplate to avoid wearing through the thin plated layer. Store in a dry environment away from high humidity
Similar Pieces
Similar silver-plated trinket boxes produced by manufacturers such as W.MF (Germany), Wilcox Silver Plate Co., or various Italian giftware makers
Interesting Facts
Boxes featuring 18th-century courting scenes are heavily inspired by the romantic art of Jean-Honoré Fragonard and Thomas Gainsborough, which saw massive revivals in decorative arts during the Victorian and mid-20th-century periods