What is an antique silver gilt etui?

An etui is a small decorative cylindrical or tapered case historically designed to hold small personal implements such as needles, bodkins, or wax, widely produced across Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries.

How were late 19th-century French silver gilt items constructed?

Silver gilt, commonly referred to as vermeil, consists of solid silver coated with a surface layer of gold, frequently decorated using engine-turned lathe machinery to etch geometric guilloche patterns.

How can one identify authentic French silver gilt pieces from this period?

Authentic French silver gilt items from the late 19th century typically feature official French assay marks, such as the Minerva head stamp denoting silver purity, alongside maker hallmarks and period-appropriate surface wear.

How can a small antique etui be displayed in a modern interior?

Small antique collectables like etuis can be displayed inside glass cloches, placed on stacked art books, or integrated into a styled tray on a shelf or console table.

How should one care for and clean antique silver gilt?

Silver gilt surfaces should be cleaned gently using a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove oils and dust, avoiding liquid silver polishes or abrasive chemical agents that can strip the gold layer.

for sale €761 $826

£650

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Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Box Cylindrical Etui, Engine Turned Guilloche Design - C.1890

Name: Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Box Cylindrical Etui, Engine Turned Guilloche Design - C.1890
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1156543
Price: 650 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this stunning solid silver-gilt cylindrical box made in France, c.1890.

The box features a two-piece pull-off lid design with a fully girl interior and exterior (gold over solid silver).

In addition to its opulent gold colour, its entirety has been finely decorated with French engine turning/guilloché design, which presents a gorgeous sheen and unique reflection which accentuates its beauty. Furthermore, the pattern is complemented with a dotted design and embellished borders around the edges.

The box has a lovely feel in hand and with ergonomic proportions. Upon opening and closing the lid, its quality is further apparent with an excellent flush fit and tight closure.

Overall, a stunning piece of fine French 19th-century silver giltware, ideal for box collections or as a spectacular one-off accenting piece in a collection or interior setting. Furthermore, owing to its versatile shape and size, it could be used to hold small items, sweets, mints, medication or even as a small jewel box.

The box is marked with French hallmarks on both ends with 950 minerva marks.

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

Size

Size (cm) L:7cm W:3.4cm

Size (inches) L:2.75 W:1.33

Weight: 34.69 grams (1.11 Troy oz)

Condition

Great Condition - The etui case is in great antique condition without any major issues/damage. Some minor surface scratches and wear commensurate with age.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues (if any) 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 Silver Gilt Etui to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1156543

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 stunning solid silver-gilt cylindrical box made in France, c.1890.

“

The box features a two-piece pull-off lid design with a fully girl interior and exterior (gold over solid silver).

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. A small cylindrical French silver gilt etui featuring intricate engine-turned guilloche wave patterns and textured borders. — fig 1. Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Box Cylindrical Etui, Engine Turned Guilloche Design - C.1890

In addition to its opulent gold colour, its entirety has been finely decorated with French engine turning/guilloché design, which presents a gorgeous sheen and unique reflection which accentuates its beauty. Furthermore, the pattern is complemented with a dotted design and embellished borders around the edges.

fig 2. A small cylindrical French silver gilt etui featuring intricate engine-turned guilloche wave patterns and textured borders. — fig 2. Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Box Cylindrical Etui, Engine Turned Guilloche Design - C.1890

The box has a lovely feel in hand and with ergonomic proportions. Upon opening and closing the lid, its quality is further apparent with an excellent flush fit and tight closure.

Overall, a stunning piece of fine French 19th-century silver giltware, ideal for box collections or as a spectacular one-off accenting piece in a collection or interior setting. Furthermore, owing to its versatile shape and size, it could be used to hold small items, sweets, mints, medication or even as a small jewel box.

fig 3. A small cylindrical French silver gilt etui featuring intricate engine-turned guilloche wave patterns and textured borders. — fig 3. Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Box Cylindrical Etui, Engine Turned Guilloche Design - C.1890

The box is marked with French hallmarks on both ends with 950 minerva marks.

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

Size

Size (cm) L:7cm W:3.4cm

fig 4. A small cylindrical French silver gilt etui featuring intricate engine-turned guilloche wave patterns and textured borders. — fig 4. Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Box Cylindrical Etui, Engine Turned Guilloche Design - C.1890

Size (inches) L:2.75 W:1.33

Weight: 34.69 grams (1.11 Troy oz)

Condition

Great Condition - The etui case is in great antique condition without any major issues/damage. Some minor surface scratches and wear commensurate with age.

fig 5. A small cylindrical French silver gilt etui featuring intricate engine-turned guilloche wave patterns and textured borders. — fig 5. Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Box Cylindrical Etui, Engine Turned Guilloche Design - C.1890

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues (if any) 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 6. A small cylindrical French silver gilt etui featuring intricate engine-turned guilloche wave patterns and textured borders. — fig 6. Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Box Cylindrical Etui, Engine Turned Guilloche Design - C.1890

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.