Isn’t this latest one adorable? Not to mention tiny—its dimensions are a mere 1 ¼ inches by 7/8 inches by 5/16 inches, as you can see in the photo below.
The material is silver, and the workmanship is lovely, with elaborate engraved scrollwork on top, sides, and bottom. On the top is a cartouche where the original owner’s initials—MMH—are engraved.
As you can see in the photo above , the object is hinged, and opens to reveal more scrollwork, this time with pierced cut-outs. This piece is also hinged, but on the side, and also lifts up, as shown below. The interior of both the top and bottom are polished and undecorated, apart from the silversmith’s marks. Sorry about the color change--this really is a nice shiny silver as seen in the first photo, but I changed lighting in order to get the focus better.
So what is this cute little thing, commonly carried by 19th century ladies?
If you think you know, post your guess in the comments section. If you know you know, post your answer also…but please, don’t post links to pictures to prove that you know. That tends to bring the guessing to a screeching halt, which isn’t much fun for anyone. All correct guesses will be entered in a drawing to receive an autographed review copy of Betraying Season and, just for fun, a Leland Sister tote bag (perfect for summer beach/pool going!) featuring the yummy covers of both Bewitching Season and Betraying Season.
I’ll accept guesses through next Monday evening and post the answer—and the name of the winner—on Tuesday. Have fun!
I'm going to guess that it's a patch box.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
ndebane@aol.com
I think it might be a box to contain smelling salts.
ReplyDeleteA box used to carry powders?
ReplyDeleteI think that it is a snuff box.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was needle case when I saw the outside but when I saw the inside I guessed snuff box.
ReplyDeletesnuff box
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that it's a small perfume container?
ReplyDeleteI'm going with snuff box too.
ReplyDeleteI love this little box! It's so cute and the engravings are lovely. I'm glad you showed us a picture of it against a ruler too to get a feel for the size.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was for smelling salts too.
I have no idea what this is. Maybe a calling card box?
ReplyDeletemelanies--musings@live.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think it must be something for a powder or makeup of some kind? I dont think a snuff box would have a mirror in it.
ReplyDeleteIt is a pill box? If not, my next guess would be smelling salts.
ReplyDeleteThis was a personal "sachet" or "pomander" box to hold herbs/spices/dried florals for an individual to hold onto for chase away the awful smells when out and about in everyday travels. Sanitary conditions were not what they are now for public city streets, etc. Have a personal "sachet" kept things somewhat tolerable.
ReplyDeleteA vinaigrette?
ReplyDeleteCouldn't post with OpenID...
ReplyDeleteBox for smelling salts or a sachet, though I'm leaning towards the latter.
I'm gonna say a jewelry box.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a snuff box too.
ReplyDeleteIts a Vinaigrette, something to help keep the daily "Bad Smells" away. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's a vinaigrette. It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGuessing it would be something like a smelling salts box or a vinaigrette (spelling may be off..).
ReplyDeleteI think it's a snuff box, also. It is definately a beautiful piece.
ReplyDeleteI was going to say pill box, but since pills were really around at the time I'll say a snuff box too.
ReplyDelete