Rare Antique German Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) Silver Pill Box, Martin Mayer c1900.

An antique silver pill box manufactured by Martin Mayer is a highly collectible piece of German metalwork, widely celebrated for its artistry during the Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) and Edwardian eras. Founded in Mainz in 1838, the firm became world-renowned for its high-quality small silver objects, lockets, and vanity items. The firm was passed down to the founder's son, Bernhard Albert Mayer. The family business was later confiscated and shut down by the authorities in 1938 due to the family's Jewish heritage. The mark is also associated with production in Pforzheim. The companies designs were heavily influenced by famous designers like Patriz Huber, Peter Behrens, and Hans Christiansen, who collaborated with the firm around 1900–1902.

This gorgeous little oval pill box features romantic, raised-relief repoussé work depicting luxurious stylised foliate shapes against a textured ground that cover the top, walls and base. The centre of the lid has a raised and framed cartouche that has delicately engraved initials. The hinged lid has a thumb plate to assist opening’ Once opened it reveals the interior which is lavishly gold-gilded (vermeil), this is a historical practice used to prevent pills or snuff from oxidizing against the silver. The hinge is in good order and once closed it has a good seal.

The pill box is fully hallmarked around the lip that seals the box. Along with the Martin Mayer, Mainz maker mark it has the Imperial Crown (Reichskrone) is the national mark representing the German state. 800 is number specifies the fineness or purity of the silver.

The pill box is in excellent antique condition with minimal wear. It measures approx. 3.5cm by 2.6cm by 1cm and weighs 9.3g.

A superb collectable piece of German silver crafted by a sought-after silversmith.

Please see pictures for more details.

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