Antique Russian 84 Silver Niello Pill Box with Gilded Interior, 19th Century

420€

An elegant antique Russian silver pill box dating to the 19th century, decorated with fine niello work and featuring a gilded interior. The rectangular box has a hinged lid with intricate geometric ornamentation and a central blank cartouche, possibly intended for a monogram.

The silver bears the Russian 84-standard mark and a maker’s mark tentatively read as “GB” or “СВ”.

Origin: Russian Empire
Period: 19th century
Material: 84 silver (875/1000), niello, interior gilding
Maker’s mark: Possibly GB or СВ
Weight: 63.7 g
Dimensions: 4.3 × 3 × 2 cm

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Description

Antique Russian 84 Silver Niello Pill Box with Gilded Interior, 19th Century

A finely crafted antique Russian silver box dating to the 19th century, decorated with traditional niello work and featuring a gilded interior.

The small rectangular box has softly rounded edges and a hinged lid, combining a practical design with elaborate decorative silverwork.

The exterior is ornamented with intricate geometric patterns executed in niello, a traditional metalworking technique in which a dark compound is applied to engraved recesses, creating a striking contrast against the polished silver surface.

The lid features a central shaped cartouche surrounded by densely arranged decorative motifs. The cartouche remains blank and may originally have been intended for the owner’s initials or a personal monogram.

The sides of the box continue the decorative design, creating a harmonious and carefully finished appearance.

The interior is gilded, providing a warm golden contrast to the silver exterior and dark niello ornamentation.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Silver boxes decorated with niello were a distinctive part of Russian decorative metalwork during the 19th century.

The technique was particularly appreciated for its durability, fine ornamental detail and strong visual contrast between blackened decoration and polished silver.

Such small boxes could be used for pills, snuff or other personal necessities, depending on their dimensions and original owner’s preferences.

Although this piece is presented as a pill box, its exact original function cannot be established with certainty. Its compact size and hinged construction would also have made it suitable as a small personal snuff box.

SILVER HALLMARKS

The box bears Russian silver hallmarks, including the traditional 84-zolotnik standard, equivalent to 875/1000 silver fineness.

A maker’s mark is tentatively read as “GB” or “СВ” (Cyrillic). The precise identity of the maker has not been established.

The assay mark is considerably worn, preventing a reliable identification of the city of manufacture or an exact production date.

The box is therefore attributed to the Russian Empire, 19th century.

DETAILS

Origin: Russian Empire
Period: 19th century
Material: Silver, niello, interior gilding
Silver standard: 84 zolotnik (875/1000)
Maker’s mark: Possibly GB or СВ, unidentified
Technique: Engraving, niello decoration, gilding
Form: Rectangular hinged box
Decoration: Geometric ornaments and blank central cartouche

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Length: 4.3 cm
Width: 3 cm
Height: 2 cm
Weight: 63.7 g

CONDITION

Antique condition with visible age-related wear, surface scratches, tarnishing and traces of use. The gilded interior shows signs consistent with age. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

An attractive example of 19th-century Russian silver craftsmanship, combining detailed niello ornamentation with a richly contrasting gilded interior.