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Hallmarked Silver Plated Keepsake Box - Sheffield, UK, Circa 1900

Offered by: The Great Republic

Description
Offered is a stunning silver plated keepsake box dating to 1900, with associated hallmark. This small box includes a wooden interior with two slots and a blank square on top where initials could have been engraved. A well maintained, elegant piece, this antique silver box is an excellent addition to any silver or home decor collection.

Trinket or keepsake boxes have taken on many forms since their first conception in ancient times. However their purpose remains the same; to store jewelry and other items precious to the owner. Originally, these boxes were used specifically for jewelry. These were in common use as early as 5000 BC in Ancient Egypt, when the majority of Egyptians, both male and female, wore jewelry. Boxes were used to keep these gemstone encrusted items safe. In Ancient Rome, jewelry was a status symbol. Rings and brooches were utilized to represent ones status in society. Again, boxes were needed for security and storage purposes. Finding early examples of these are quite rare.

Victorian and Edwardian examples of trinket boxes are far more common. This is because owning jewellery was a luxury until the Victorian era- let alone possessing so much a box was needed to store it all. Fine jewelry and other items became available to the masses after the industrial revolution due to the reduction in production costs. This led to a demand for trinket boxes, which were much smaller than jewelry boxes and therefore better suited to the needs of the middle class who did not yet possess an abundance of jewelry.

In Victorian households, collectables and other items of interested were also stashed inside these boxes. This is why they are known as trinket or keepsake boxes, rather than just jewelry boxes, although of course jewelry was also stored in them. Trinket boxes were produced in large numbers around this time. Many were lined with colored plush or velvet or rich wood. More elaborate designs had interior divisions and trays for rings and other pieces of jewellery. It was also common to see trinket boxes so small that they could only contain one item, such as a single ring. Ornate exteriors were created to reflect the value of the trinket boxes contents.

The Edwardian era saw the introduction of new styles of trinket box. These included small circular or oblong boxes that stood on cabriole legs. These often featured lids made of tortoiseshell or other luxurious materials. In the 1900s through the 1930's more streamlined and modern Art Deco styles became popular.

CONDITION:

Overall very good condition, with minimal wear. Some light scratches to wooden interior due to gentle past use. Hallmarked on side. Wooden interior.

Dimensions: 4 5/8" H x 7 5/8" W x 1 1/8" D

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.

More Information

Period:	1900-1919
Condition:	Good.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Victorian
Incollect Reference #:	746733

Dimensions

W.	7.625 in;	H.	4.625 in;	D.	1.125 in;
W.	19.37 cm;	H.	11.75 cm;	D.	2.86 cm;

Message from Seller:

Established in 2010, The Great Republic specializes in one-of-a-kind collectibles that honor American history, with a special focus on the rare and unique. Our collection is complete with rarities that are sure to wow, such as first edition books, antique hand-sewn flags from the Civil War, vintage travel posters, and original signatures from American presidents, such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, just to name a few. P: 719.471.6157 E: headquarters@great-republic.com