EXCEPTIONAL RARE AUSTRIAN STERLING SILVER ENAMELED CHERUB BOX MINIATURE PORTRAIT
This is truly an exceptional box; in 40 years of collecting, we have never seen anything else quite like this. The box is octagon shaped and made of sterling silver and has ivory-colored enamel panels covering most of the box. The ivory-colored enamel is then adorned with gold “beads” that are under clear enamel. The lid has a miniature monochrome “Grisaille style” portrait of two cherubs kissing and is under glass. We would call this a “trinket box;” it is too large in our opinion to be called a pill box - See the attached photo with a round Italian silver compact on the left, an Italian silver pill box in the middle and this box on the right.
Boxes like this with hand painted miniature portraits under glass are very unusual; in 40 years if collecting we managed to find only two of these, and both were exceptional pieces. The silver frame around the hand painted portrait and the frame around the top rim of the box are both embossed with roses and are very unusual. The gold “beads” adorning the ivory-colored enamel in each panel of the box are also very unusual. The portrait is very charming and very well painted. The box is of a very high quality and precision made.
The piece in my photos is the actual piece you will receive. Just to be clear, the hex shape ivory-colored enamel box is the only piece for sale in this listing; the other pieces are shown for size reference only. This piece has been in my personal collection since the year 2000. Please be sure to read the “AGE AND CONDITION” and “Approximate Dimensions” paragraphs below. Please also Note: There are some faint dark spots showing in some of my photos, there are from my camera and are not on the box.
The box is marked identically on both the inside of the body and the inside of the lid. The marks read “STERLING,” “935” for silver content, “H & S” (unidentified maker’s mark), “1280” (probably some sort of inventory or decorator’s number), and the Austrian state “Hoopoe Bird” hallmark (dating it to 1922 or after) with a “1” for 935 silver and a “W” for the city of Vienna. I will mention at this point that I have not had this tested by a jeweler for the metal purity.
I do my best to describe all items as accurately as possible and to the best of my ability. Some of my photos may be somewhat lighter or darker than actual to better show detail or color. However, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or with requests for additional pictures. I will get back to you as soon as I am able. I want your transaction with me to be exactly the way I want mine to be when I am the buyer.
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Age and Condition
This piece dates to circa 1925.
It is in excellent to near mint condition. Please look closely at the photos as they are an important part of my description of this item. Aside from some age-related scratches to the enamel on the underside where the piece sits, and some minor tarnish to the silver, it is in pristine condition. I see no dents, dings, splits, or damage to the silver, only a bit of tarnish or discoloration, which is to be expected on a piece of this age. The gold gilding on the interior is absolutely in pristine condition. Really in superb condition for a piece of this age. The box opens, closes, and latches crisply as it should with no problems and the hinge is nice and tight. Please keep in mind these photos may be blown up at least 8-10 times normal, so anything you see will look 8-10 times larger in the photos than it really is.
Please note: if you see a dark spot in the photos, it is from my camera and is not a mark on the piece. It will be either just to the right of center towards the bottom or slightly above center on the right side of the photo.
Approximate Dimensions
The box is about 2.625” (6.6 cm) across and sits about 1.375” (3.5 cm) off the table.
Approximate Weight
About 5.875 ounces (166 grams).
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PAYMENT, SHIPPING, Insurance & PACKAGING
For auctions, if you do not send an instant payment through PayPal, we will send you an invoice within 24 hours of the end of the auction.
PayPal is our preferred method for receiving funds and payment is expected within 3 days of the completion of any auction. We will normally ship within 1-2 business days of receiving payment in our PayPal account.
Shipment will be via USPS Priority Mail at no additional shipping cost to the buyer and will require a signature for delivery. A delivery confirmation (provides electronic tracking of the shipment) is included with all domestic shipments paid for through PayPal. If you buy more than one item, we always do our best to combine shipping costs to save you as much as possible on shipping. If you want your package insured, you must let us know in advance of payment.
All items will be professionally packaged for maximum protection in shipping.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS
The only form of payment I accept from international buyers is Pay Pal. No exceptions!
International shipments will be via eBay International Shipping and encounter longer shipping times due to distance and Customs requirements. The USPS says 6-10 business days, but it can take longer. International buyers are responsible for all customs fees, duties, import taxes or other related customs or import charges and all our out-of-pocket costs incurred in the shipment of packages internationally.
DO NOT ask us to show a lesser value on the Customs Forms than the item sold for, or to ship the item purchased item as a gift. Ebay requires us to report any buyer to them who requests this.
RETURN POLICY
If for some reason you are unhappy with the item you purchased and would like to return it, please contact me within 14 days to discuss the details. Refunds will be based on the original selling price of the item only and less any fees charged by eBay. Buyers to pay all shipping costs both ways unless I substantially misrepresented the item or its condition. Items must be returned within 30 days of you receiving it and in the same condition as originally shipped.