Blue Enamel Silver Case
A blue enamel silver case brings together precious metal and coloured glass in forms ranging from pocket compacts to travel clocks.
Blue Enamel Silver Case
A blue enamel silver case spans functional pocket objects made from the nineteenth century through to the mid-twentieth century.
Cigarette cases, compacts, card cases and vesta cases appear most frequently alongside smaller items such as buttons and teaspoons.
The selections originate from British workshops, continental makers and Russian silversmiths working in Edwardian, Art Deco and Arts and Crafts styles.
Materials and Technique
Objects are constructed from sterling silver or 800 silver, occasionally finished with silver gilt or paired with metal, mesh and suede.
Vitreous enamel is applied to the metal body, frequently utilising guilloche or engine-turned engraving beneath the translucent blue glaze.
Surface decoration extends to hand-painted floral motifs, sunburst patterns, cloisonne work and set gemstones such as marcasite.
Listings feature items spanning the nineteenth century through to the nineteen-fifties, incorporating sterling silver, 800 silver and gilt metal.
Standards of Execution
The precision of the engine-turned guilloche pattern beneath the translucent enamel dictates the visual depth of the surface.
Hand-painted details and complex cloisonne cells demonstrate the technical skill of the individual workshop or maker.
The weight of the solid silver chassis and the secure closure of hinges and clasps determine the structural integrity of the piece.
Henry Matthews·Henry Perkins and Sons·Liberty and Co·Deakin and Francis·William Neale and Son Ltd·Robert Chandler
The Blue Enamel Silver Case Glossary
- Guilloche
- A decorative mechanical engraving technique that etches precise geometric patterns into metal before enamel is applied. This method allows light to reflect through translucent coloured glazes.
- Vitreous Enamel
- A material created by fusing powdered glass to a metal substrate at high temperatures. The resulting glossy surface provides durable colour.
- Vesta Case
- A small pocket container designed to hold matches and keep them dry. These pieces often match the decoration of contemporary cigarette and card cases.
- Silver Gilt
- Silver that has been coated with a thin layer of gold on its surface. This finish is also known as vermeil.
- Cloisonne
- An enamelling technique where metal wire is soldered to the base to create individual compartments for different coloured pastes.
Blue Enamel Silver Case: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blue enamel silver case?
These items are small personal accessories made from silver and decorated with fused glass enamel in shades of blue. They include compacts, card holders, cigarette cases and travel timepieces.
Craftsmen produced them primarily during the Edwardian and Art Deco periods for daily personal use.
How do I date a silver and enamel case?
Dating relies heavily upon the assay office hallmarks stamped into the silver body, which indicate the exact year of manufacture. Stylistic markers such as geometric Art Deco lines or floral Arts and Crafts motifs also point to specific decades.
Makers' marks registered with assay offices provide further confirmation of the production period.
What is guilloche enamel?
Guilloche is a decorative technique where a machine cuts precise geometric patterns into the silver base before the enamel layer goes on. The translucent blue glass allows the pattern underneath to catch the light.
This method was widely utilised on cigarette cases and compacts during the early twentieth century.
How should I care for an antique enamel case?
Enamel is essentially glass and requires gentle handling to prevent chipping or scratching against hard surfaces. Cleaning should be done with a soft cloth, avoiding abrasive metal polishes on the glazed areas.
Silver components can be polished carefully while protecting the surrounding enamel work.