Russian Silver Niello Snuff Box, 1861
19th century Russian silver niello snuff box marked from 1861 standard 84 mark, St Petersburg, makers mark EC. Depicting town scene to lid and scroll work to side and bottom with a plain cartouche for engraving, length 2.44 in., weight 59 grams
You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Register Now to view actual auction price for this item.
- Niello - A compound made up of lead silver copper and sulphur that is black in colour, and applied to the engraved areas of silver items, thus highlighting the engraving by making the black niello detail stand out from the silver background. It was used on edged weapons from the Renaisance onwards, and also by Russian crafstmen of the19th century.
- Cartouche - An ornamental panel in the form of of a shield, oval or rectangular scroll with curling edges. It may be carved into the back of a chair or the top of a sideboard, or present on a piece of silver or jewellery, and contain the initials of the original owner, heraldic symbols, or some other inscription, such as the details of a presentation.
In ceramics the term defines the central area of a vase or similar with a decorative border in one of the shapes above, into which a decorative scene or figures have been painted.
This item has been included into following indexes:
- snuff boxes, country of origin
