Such a sweet old thing, the rich royal purple enamel worked on a guilloche or 'machined' silver surface to increase the shimmer and shine. The box is .800/1000 silver, not quite sterling but sturdier, and a rich 18k gold layer (vermeil) highlights bands of exterior and the entire interior. Either French or Austrian, I have been unable to find the tiny mark it surely had. Jewel-like, but it has some flaws and is being sold as is. Full measurements noted on the photos. I found this one in Israel.
Good to very good condition for age and type, the old kiln-fired enamels are a fragile glass-like or porcelain-like finish once fired, and do sustain damage. This one is not perfect as you can see in our photos. It needs to go to a restoration expert (perhaps you are one?), to have a little preservation done. The box displays beautifully, even so, as the larger loss can be positioned away from view. The figural work on the lid is so incredible - that face on the woman is 1/8", chin to hairline. It tells a story of love, passion, and perhaps a little lust. There are no dents, just some flaking loss to the enamel work. Opens and closes smoothly - such beautiful work.
