What is a niello table snuff box?

A niello table snuff box is a small decorative container designed to hold pulverised tobacco, featuring a dark metallic alloy inlay technique fused into etched silver patterns across its exterior surface.

How were 19th-century silver niello boxes constructed?

Craftsmen engraved intricate foliage patterns into solid silver, filled the etched channels with a heated black mixture of copper, silver, lead, and sulphur, and polished the piece smooth before often applying gold vermeil gilding to the interior.

How do you identify authentic French silver niello pieces?

Authentic French silver pieces typically bear official French hallmarks, such as the Minerva head punch mark, paired with flush niello inlays that show minor surface wear consistent with age rather than modern printed finishes.

How can an antique snuff box be styled in a modern interior?

A silver snuff box serves as a functional accent piece when displayed atop stacked design books, placed on an executive office desk, or arranged inside a glass display cabinet alongside small metal objects.

How should silver niello boxes be cleaned and maintained?

Dust gently using a soft microfibre cloth and avoid harsh chemical dips or abrasive silver polishes, which can erode the dark niello inlay or strip the interior vermeil gilding.

for sale €995 $1,080

£850

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Antique French Solid Silver Niello Table Snuff Box - C.1880

Name: Antique French Solid Silver Niello Table Snuff Box - C.1880
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1156542
Price: 850 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this beautiful antique solid silver French snuff box made c.1880.

The box presents a stunning niello design with its table snuff box proportions allowing for the decoration to be elegantly displayed on all panels, even on the base.

The box is crafted in such a beautiful shape and form with a cartouche-like shape with elegant curves and aesthetics. In spite of its irregular shape, the niello work has been meticulously done from edge to edge - a testament to the craftsmanship of the era and symbolic of how much time and cost would have gone into embellishing one single box.

Furthermore, a closer look at the hinge reveals its high level of craftsmanship and intricacy, where a smooth closure still remains and has withstood the test of time.

The interior is also fully gilt, which provides a layer of protection from the contents inside oxidising/tarnishing the silver.

With practicality, elegance and style combined in one, this snuff box case is the perfect accoutrement for any tobacciana collections or collectors of fine boxes.

Whilst originally designed for holding snuff tobacco, this box could also be used for storing mints, tablets or small items. A perfect gift or addition for the discerning individual and an equally delightful conversation starter.

French hallmarks are present on the lid and base of the box on the interior - minerva 950 for after 1838.

*Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the item mentioned in the title.

Size

Size (cm) L:7cm W:4.5cm H:2.8cm

Size (inches) L:2.75 W:1.77 H:1.10

Weight: 81.78 grams (2.62 Troy oz)

Condition

Good Condition - The snuff box is in good antique condition with no major damage or issues. For accuracy: the surface presents some scratches and minor niello wear around the edges/highpoints as shown in the photo. Some minor gilding wear/discoulouration but overall remains a wonderful rich antique gold colour.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this French Niello Snuff Box to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1156542

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this beautiful antique solid silver French snuff box made c.1880.

“

The box presents a stunning niello design with its table snuff box proportions allowing for the decoration to be elegantly displayed on all panels, even on the base.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. An antique French solid silver snuff box with black niello scrollwork engraving and a gilded gold interior. — fig 1. Antique French Solid Silver Niello Table Snuff Box - C.1880

The box is crafted in such a beautiful shape and form with a cartouche-like shape with elegant curves and aesthetics. In spite of its irregular shape, the niello work has been meticulously done from edge to edge - a testament to the craftsmanship of the era and symbolic of how much time and cost would have gone into embellishing one single box.

fig 2. An antique French solid silver snuff box with black niello scrollwork engraving and a gilded gold interior. — fig 2. Antique French Solid Silver Niello Table Snuff Box - C.1880

Furthermore, a closer look at the hinge reveals its high level of craftsmanship and intricacy, where a smooth closure still remains and has withstood the test of time.

The interior is also fully gilt, which provides a layer of protection from the contents inside oxidising/tarnishing the silver.

fig 3. An antique French solid silver snuff box with black niello scrollwork engraving and a gilded gold interior. — fig 3. Antique French Solid Silver Niello Table Snuff Box - C.1880

With practicality, elegance and style combined in one, this snuff box case is the perfect accoutrement for any tobacciana collections or collectors of fine boxes.

Whilst originally designed for holding snuff tobacco, this box could also be used for storing mints, tablets or small items. A perfect gift or addition for the discerning individual and an equally delightful conversation starter.

fig 4. An antique French solid silver snuff box with black niello scrollwork engraving and a gilded gold interior. — fig 4. Antique French Solid Silver Niello Table Snuff Box - C.1880

French hallmarks are present on the lid and base of the box on the interior - minerva 950 for after 1838.

Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the item mentioned in the title.

fig 5. An antique French solid silver snuff box with black niello scrollwork engraving and a gilded gold interior. — fig 5. Antique French Solid Silver Niello Table Snuff Box - C.1880

Size

Size (cm) L:7cm W:4.5cm H:2.8cm

Size (inches) L:2.75 W:1.77 H:1.10

Weight: 81.78 grams (2.62 Troy oz)

Condition

Good Condition - The snuff box is in good antique condition with no major damage or issues. For accuracy: the surface presents some scratches and minor niello wear around the edges/highpoints as shown in the photo. Some minor gilding wear/discoulouration but overall remains a wonderful rich antique gold colour.

fig 6. An antique French solid silver snuff box with black niello scrollwork engraving and a gilded gold interior. — fig 6. Antique French Solid Silver Niello Table Snuff Box - C.1880

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

fig 7. An antique French solid silver snuff box with black niello scrollwork engraving and a gilded gold interior. — fig 7. Antique French Solid Silver Niello Table Snuff Box - C.1880

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.