What is an antique silver bird model box?

An antique silver bird model box is a decorative container crafted in the form of a bird, often featuring a hinged lid on the back or wings. Popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these items served as table ornaments, spice boxes, or trinket holders.

What materials and construction techniques are used in silver bird models?

These items are typically cast or raised from solid sterling silver or continental silver. Artisans applied detailed hand-chasing and engraving techniques to create textured feather patterning, integrating flush hinges and concealed catches into the birds anatomy.

How can authentic Edwardian silver models be identified?

Authentic Edwardian silver pieces bear official assay office hallmarks, including a purity mark, date letter, town mark, and makers initials. Quality construction shows precise joinery around the hinged opening, realistic foot moulding, and substantial weight relative to size.

How can a silver bird model be styled in a modern interior?

Position the piece as an accent object on a dining room sideboard, mantelpiece, or inside a glass display cabinet. It works well paired with dark timber surfaces, framed natural history prints, or grouped with other silver table accessories.

How should antique silver models be cleaned and maintained?

Gently dust the surface with a soft microfibre cloth and apply a specialised, non-abrasive silver polish to remove tarnish. Avoid submerging hinged mechanisms in water, and store in low-humidity environments to minimize oxidisation.

for sale €1,931 $2,096

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Antique Solid Silver Large Partridge/grouse Bird Model Box - Edwardian 1910 Boaz Moses

Name: Antique Solid Silver Large Partridge/grouse Bird Model Box - Edwardian 1910 Boaz Moses
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1160985
Price: 1650 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this magnificent solid silver large partridge model made in the Edwardian era with import marks for Chester, Boaz Moses Landeck, 1910.

The silver bird is realistically modelled with immaculate proportions, intricate detailing and a wonderful touch of novelty.

Its head can be detached to reveal an inside compartment in which small objects such as sweets or mints could be held within. During the late 19th century, Germany and Holland were renowned for making silver models for the British market and made in sterling silver (925) to be imported into the UK where it would be assayed and stamped with import hallmarks as seen with this example.

During this period, a minor trade war took place in Europe with England imposing an import tax on luxury goods, including silver models. Subsequently, to legally circumvent this punitive tax, workshops in Germany and Holland modified their designs of models, making them into vessels which could then be justified as functional articles and not solely luxurious vanity. This scheme persisted into the early 20th century, when the tax was eventually removed.

Its quality and craftsmanship can be truly appreciated upon holding in hand, whereby the three-dimensional proportions and fine detailing can be seen throughout with no area left unembellished. Its wings are hinged so that they flap and even underneath, feather detailling is present.

This model would most certainly grace a dining table or perhaps with some creativity, it could be used to elevate the ambience of an interior in a plethora of ways. Beautiful, ornamental and with an interesting historical background, such a piece is not only a fabulous aesthetic centrepiece but also a conversation starter in its own right.

English import marks are present on the upper breast/neck area.

*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:22cm W:8 H:19.5cm

Size (inches) L:5.90 W:4.48 H:5.51

Weight: 607 grams (19.51 Troy oz)

Condition

Great Condition - The bird model remains in great antique condition with no major damage or issues. Some minor restorations to the hinge area of the wings as shown in the photos and wear commensurate with age - otherwise in good condition.

We aim to overemphasise 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 Edwardian Silver Bird Box to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1160985

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 magnificent solid silver large partridge model made in the Edwardian era with import marks for Chester, Boaz Moses Landeck, 1910.

“

The silver bird is realistically modelled with immaculate proportions, intricate detailing and a wonderful touch of novelty.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. A solid silver model of a partridge with chased feather detailing standing on two feet with a hinged compartment lid along its back. — fig 1. Antique Solid Silver Large Partridge/grouse Bird Model Box - Edwardian 1910 Boaz Moses

Its head can be detached to reveal an inside compartment in which small objects such as sweets or mints could be held within. During the late 19th century, Germany and Holland were renowned for making silver models for the British market and made in sterling silver (925) to be imported into the UK where it would be assayed and stamped with import hallmarks as seen with this example.

fig 2. A solid silver model of a partridge with chased feather detailing standing on two feet with a hinged compartment lid along its back. — fig 2. Antique Solid Silver Large Partridge/grouse Bird Model Box - Edwardian 1910 Boaz Moses

During this period, a minor trade war took place in Europe with England imposing an import tax on luxury goods, including silver models. Subsequently, to legally circumvent this punitive tax, workshops in Germany and Holland modified their designs of models, making them into vessels which could then be justified as functional articles and not solely luxurious vanity. This scheme persisted into the early 20th century, when the tax was eventually removed.

fig 3. A solid silver model of a partridge with chased feather detailing standing on two feet with a hinged compartment lid along its back. — fig 3. Antique Solid Silver Large Partridge/grouse Bird Model Box - Edwardian 1910 Boaz Moses

Its quality and craftsmanship can be truly appreciated upon holding in hand, whereby the three-dimensional proportions and fine detailing can be seen throughout with no area left unembellished. Its wings are hinged so that they flap and even underneath, feather detailling is present.

fig 4. A solid silver model of a partridge with chased feather detailing standing on two feet with a hinged compartment lid along its back. — fig 4. Antique Solid Silver Large Partridge/grouse Bird Model Box - Edwardian 1910 Boaz Moses

This model would most certainly grace a dining table or perhaps with some creativity, it could be used to elevate the ambience of an interior in a plethora of ways. Beautiful, ornamental and with an interesting historical background, such a piece is not only a fabulous aesthetic centrepiece but also a conversation starter in its own right.

fig 5. A solid silver model of a partridge with chased feather detailing standing on two feet with a hinged compartment lid along its back. — fig 5. Antique Solid Silver Large Partridge/grouse Bird Model Box - Edwardian 1910 Boaz Moses

English import marks are present on the upper breast/neck area.

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:22cm W:8 H:19.5cm

fig 6. A solid silver model of a partridge with chased feather detailing standing on two feet with a hinged compartment lid along its back. — fig 6. Antique Solid Silver Large Partridge/grouse Bird Model Box - Edwardian 1910 Boaz Moses

Size (inches) L:5.90 W:4.48 H:5.51

Weight: 607 grams (19.51 Troy oz)

Condition

Great Condition - The bird model remains in great antique condition with no major damage or issues. Some minor restorations to the hinge area of the wings as shown in the photos and wear commensurate with age - otherwise in good condition.

fig 7. A solid silver model of a partridge with chased feather detailing standing on two feet with a hinged compartment lid along its back. — fig 7. Antique Solid Silver Large Partridge/grouse Bird Model Box - Edwardian 1910 Boaz Moses

We aim to overemphasise 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 8. A solid silver model of a partridge with chased feather detailing standing on two feet with a hinged compartment lid along its back. — fig 8. Antique Solid Silver Large Partridge/grouse Bird Model Box - Edwardian 1910 Boaz Moses

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.