What a beautiful piece of Italian art! This vintage 800 silver loose
powder compact features a classical enameled scene of naked putti or
cherub dancing around a tree. A pair of the winged cherubs sit in the
tree playing instruments. Enameled panels around the edges represent
inlaid turquoise. Allover detailed hand engraving completes the design.
Inside the compact are a beveled mirror and a fitted sifter.
Measurements: when closed, it measures approx 3-1/4” high x 3-3/4” wide x 3/8” at the thickest.
Hallmarks:
the inside frame that holds the mirror is stamped 800 and Italy. I
see no other obvious marks on the compact. It has been tested for
purity and it at least 800 silver. There is no doubt as to the country
of origin.
Condition: very minor wear to the enamel, some fading
to the gilding especially on the back, the frame inside the compact
that holds the mirror in place is loose which means it is very easy for
the mirror to fall out. This would be an easy fix for a jeweler. The
“prongs” that are present at the bottom edge were created by simply
using a thin very sharp scraping tool to scrape prongs from the inside
edge. No soldering is needed.