Antique Silver Boxes
Antique silver boxes differ greatly in style, size, quality and price, perfect as an ornament or to use for its original purpose, there are many unique, intricate and attractive designs. From silver jewellery boxes, snuff boxes, music boxes, stationary boxes to silver pillboxes and safe boxes. There are some examples of outstanding craftsmanship in the detailing of antique silver boxes, and many are charming and elegant in their appearance, they look perfect displayed on a shelf or mantelpiece or on ones bedroom dresser.
History of Silver Boxes
Silver is a soft precious metal; it has always been used for a variety of purposes, both functional and decorative. In 1325 English Assay Offices introduced the ‘sterling standard’, which meant all silver had to be at least 92.5% in purity. Antique silver boxes date all the way back to the 14th C, and were used for a variety of needs. It was during the 16th and 17th C that silver objects gained in popularity, with the extensive expansion of silver smithing industry from here after.
Types of Antique Silver Box
There are a large amount of antique boxes made from sterling silver, it is possible to also find Britannia antique silver boxes, these are a purer form of silver, therefore of higher quality and price, whereas a silver plated box is the most affordable option.
If you were looking for a smaller antique silver box, it would be best to invest in a silver snuff or pillbox. These types of antique silver boxes are often highly decorative, and possible to carry around in your pocket, at the time of their production they were symbolic of wealth, and are considered a valuable collectors item.
An antique silver pill box is also delicate in nature but often not as intricate in its detailing as a silver snuff box.
Snuffing or inhaling snuff became very popular in Europe and by the 18th C some silver snuff boxes were set with sapphires and diamonds by French jewellers, it is possible to find some exquisite examples. Antique silver snuffboxes sometimes also feature monograms.
An extremely sought after antique silver box is an antique silver music box, these hold great value. Other silver boxes available include a silver strong box, essentially the equivalent of a modern day safe. An antique silver jewellery box is a lovely addition to a bedroom, and an extra special place to store your prized earrings, rings, necklaces and broaches. Often antique jewellery boxes will come with a lock and key, sometimes with exquisite padded interiors. An antique bible box will often be decorated with religious imagery and are a unique way to store precious books or diaries.
From the 19th C silver cigarette boxes were produced, alongside these were silver vesta cases, which were used to store matches. A silver tobacco box is less porous than wood so was useful for storing tobacco and there are a variety of antique silver tobacco boxes available.
Antique silver box makers worthy of note include Charles Adam, F. Boyton and Co, Charles Elay, Thomas Kendrick and Asprey &Co. When purchasing an antique silver box take care to look out for genuine hallmarks, paying particularly attention to the condition of the box too, the purity of the silver should be a minimum of 92.5%. If the silver box has had to undergo repairs it will decrease in value.
An antique silver box holds an element of charm and there are some beautiful examples to choose from that will look lovely within ones home, whatever its given purpose or if it is merely to admire as a decorative piece.
