Silver enamel guilloche hinged box - Kokoshnik import mark

[Bliss]

Here's what I have discovered thus far thanks to your website and other sources:
Measurements:
Diamter 2 3/4"; Weight 3.2 oz.
It is a silver enamel guilloche hinged box, with hand painted floral motif which reminds me of limoges. (I had never heard of guilloche before)

The bottom mark is likely considered an -import mark- with an "84" and right facing Kokoshnik dating it 1896-1908. The assay is indicated by either a stylised "k" for Odessa or "x" for Don. I'm just not certain which.

When I explored the item further I noticed additional marks on the interior bottom which appear to read "935". However the mark is as worn as this tired old piece.

I would appreciate any thoughts others might have about this item, am I on track with identifying origin? Original purpose? Powder compact, pill box, other?

I really have no idea if my images are going to come through, I opted for your suggested "ImageHost.org", let's see if it works.

Full Image:


Bottom stamp:


Interior stamp:


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[Qrt.S]

The oval cut "kokoshnik" mark on your box (probably pill box) is an Russian import mark for the city of Odessa for the period 1908-1926.

This means that your box is not Russian, but imported to Russia.

Now the question remains: Where is it made? The other marks show a half moon and a crown as well as the figures 935. If I recall it correctly, it means manufactured in Germany where from the box has been exported to Russia and Odessa. Its in good silver 935/1000 i.e higher fineness than sterling (925/1000).

I have problems in viewing your first picture, the box. Therefore making further comments are rather difficult.
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[Bliss]

Very interesting. Thank you so much for taking time to respond. I had a feeling the hand painted design wasn't Russian as I could not locate other examples. It looks more like German Bavarian or limoges to me. I thought I saw a half moon, but the crown I couldn't make out. Very helpful info., should I repost in the German forum?

Hmm...the first photo didn't work for me either so I will resend photos and hope the links work.


100_5887.jpg (1.2 MB)

More views:



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[Qrt.S]

Hand painted on guilloche ??? Guilloche is a certain enamel surface structure so what is hand painted? I still have problems with your pictures and after my last comment and question I would very much like to see a big detailed picture of this interesting "method" you are talking about. Thank you in advance.

Of course you could ask the German forum but unless there are no other marks than these, I don't think you can get more info from there, but maybe, make a try.
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[Qrt.S]

OK, now I managed to open your photos. It really seems to be painted on the enamel. I never seen such before. Well I haven't seen everthing....yet :-)
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[Bliss]

It is an interesting piece. . . I have not found anything like it in my searches thus far. I also can't help but wonder why it is so worn, there do not appear to be any dents or dings, it almost seems as if someone was intentionally removing the enamel. If only these old items could speak.

Qrt.S, I have posted our conversation on the German Forum, so let's see what comes of it. Thanks again for taking time to share.
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[Qrt.S]

You're welcome Bliss , this is a time and information sharing forum, isn't it?

Couldn't it be worn because it is a pill box and as such, you usually carry it with you and some times you drop it and so one. Enamel breaks easily if it hits hard ground.
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[Bliss]

Qrt.S - Of course, your right . . . damage to the enamel could have happened through repeated drops, just figured there would also be more substantial dings or dents in the actual metal.

I did discover an additional hint after a light polish. I found a "13" on the lip of the lid. I haven't figured out what it means yet.

Additional "13" mark found:



Also check out this page and tell me what you think:
German Makers' Marks ~ after 1886
Unidentified silver Marks
-4th photo from the top-
http://www.925-1000.com/Fgerman_marks_a1884_uid.html
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[dognose]

Hi Bliss,

Welcome to the Forum.

Please do not post the same topic in other sections of the Forum, otherwise we will end up with replies to the repeat question and the result will be confusion.

See: Posting Requirements

Trev.
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[Bliss]

My apologies, I just wasn't certain that people with expertise in one set of marks would check posts on other specific forums. (ie. Russian vs. German) What I initally thought to be a Russian piece, may actually be a German export to Russia.

Again, my apologies . . . I will remain patient for responses.

Thanks,
Bliss
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