Antique Enamel Sterling Silver Box, Card Case w/ Painted Ivory Portrait Miniatures, Austrian Vienna ca. 1920

Antiques : Boxes, Caddies, Cases

 

This is a wonderful enamel over sterling silver box, inset with two ivory miniatures. It was made by Brüder Frank who specialized in enameled silver pieces in early twentieth century Vienna. This piece contains a three-colored "swirled" enamel border as well as gold guilloche enamel around the sides. The back contains a guilloche pattern. The box is inset with two portrait miniatures on ivory, both modeled after proofs found in the Hourbook of the Duke of Berri (ca. 1350). The top painting is entitled "Hunting" and shows three men catching prey with a pack of hunting dogs. In the background, there is a dense woods, and further back, the city. It is protected by convex glass. On the inside is "Harvest" which depicts maiden harvesting in the foreground and men with sickles in the background. In the very back, a grand array of structures can be seen, with the clock tower overlooking all. The interior is gold washed and is marked with four marks: a hallmark, BF (for Bruder Frank), Sterling, and 935. The lip is marked "Made in Austria." Not only is the sterling of high quality (935/1000), but the workmanship is outstanding. Also included is the ORIGINAL note from the silver smith, which is a business card with a type-written note on the back which describes this very piece. How exciting! I am confident that this is the only piece and was not mass-produced (it was custom made). Certainly a rare and magnificent piece.

Condition: The enamel and silver are in great condition with no damage and very minimal wear. The top miniature has some dust trapped inside the glass and a bit of moisture damage to the corners. The interior miniature is in perfect state.

Measurements: 3 1/2 in. x 2 3/4 in x 1/2 in. thick. The miniatures are about 3 in. x 2 1/8 in.

Item ID: B-12