French Second Standard Silver Snuff Box or Card Case by Hippolyte Hippert
Decorative Object / Snuff Box · Hippolyte Hippert. A notable Parisian silversmith active in the mid-19th century, known for high-quality small silver items and boxes. The workshop was located at 31 rue de Gravilliers, Paris.
Pattern: French Provincial / Engine-Turned Civil Style. This era focused on geometric precision rather than named floral patterns.
Type
Decorative Object / Snuff Box
Maker
Hippolyte Hippert. A notable Parisian silversmith active in the mid-19th century, known for high-quality small silver items and boxes. The workshop was located at 31 rue de Gravilliers, Paris.
Material
French Second Standard Silver (.800 purity). This was the standard for small silver manufactured for the domestic market in France during the 19th century.
Dimensions
Estimated at 8cm x 5cm x 1.5cm. Standard weight for such French boxes ranges from 45 to 65 grams depending on internal gilding thickness.
Description
An elegant example of mid-19th century French 'art de vivre,' this silver box features the precision craftsmanship of Hippolyte Hippert. While the exterior currently shows the patina of heavy use, the interior likely retains a rich lemon-gold wash. Its slim profile was designed for the waistcoat pocket of a gentleman.
Key Features
The lozenge maker's mark containing the 'HH' and key; the Minerva 2nd standard profile; the remains of fine engine-turning on the lid surface.
Material & Composition
French Second Standard Silver (.800 purity). This was the standard for small silver manufactured for the domestic market in France during the 19th century.
Finish & Decoration
Parcel-gilt interior with engine-turned (guilloché) exterior. The visible surface shows heavy scratching, likely covering a fine linear or barleycorn engine-turned pattern.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'HH' with a key symbol in a lozenge (diamond) shape is the maker's mark for Hippolyte Hippert. Adjacent is the 'Minerva' head hallmark in a shaped frame; the '2' next to the forehead indicates the second standard (.800 silver).
Construction Details
Hand-assembled from sheet silver; the lid and body were formed using die-stamping for the engine-turned texture and finished with hand-soldered hinges.
Functional Features
Flush-fitting hinge to prevent snagging in a pocket; curved edges (snuff box style) for ergonomic handling; gold-washed interior (vermeil) to prevent corrosion from tobacco or environmental salts.
Handle & Grip Details
None; the box features a standard friction-fit lip or a small protruding thumbpiece integrated into the lid design.
Craftsmanship Details
The precision of the hallmark strike indicates a high-quality gauge of silver sheet. The flush hinge construction is a hallmark of French box-making expertise.
Authentication Indicators
The lozenge-shaped maker's mark is the primary authentication trait required by French law; the Minerva head punch shows the correct profile and border shape for the 1838-present system.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris, France. Manufactured under the strict oversight of the Paris Assay Office (Bureau de Garantie).
Era & Period
French July Monarchy or Second Empire (c. 1840-1860). The period is marked by the transition from handmade bespoke items to the industrial precision of the Parisian workshops.
Age Estimate
Circa 1850s. The maker's mark registration and the specific style of the Minerva punch align with the mid-19th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of French silver production when Paris was the global center for luxury 'vertu' (small precious objects).
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The surface shows extensive micro-scratching and 'pocket wear' which has dulled the original engine-turned detail. No major dents or hinge failures are visible, but the silver is heavily tarnished with a yellowish oxidation layer.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value is driven by the silver weight and the prestige of the French hallmarks, though condition significantly impacts the upper end of the price.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid machine polishing. Use a high-quality silver foam (like Wright's) and a very soft microfiber cloth to prevent further loss of the engine-turned detail. Store in an acid-free tissue or silver cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Christofle silver-plated boxes (distinguished by square marks instead of lozenges) or English snuff boxes (distinguished by the Lion Passant hallmark).
Interesting Facts
The 'key' symbol in the maker's mark was a unique pun or 'différent' used to distinguish this maker from other 'HH' initials in the Paris registered archives.