What were Edwardian silver boxes used for?

These containers served practical domestic functions on dressing tables and desks, storing rings, necklaces, and keepsakes. Gentlemen also utilised them for cigars, cigarettes, and snuff. Smaller variants held personal medications such as pills, keeping them secure and portable in a pocket or handbag.

How do I clean a silver box?

Maintenance requires a soft microfiber cloth and a reputable silver polish formulated to remove tarnish without harming the metal. Gentle rubbing preserves engraved floral scrolls and hallmarks. Avoid applying liquid cleaners directly to tortoiseshell, oak, or fabric linings, as moisture damages organic components and glued interiors.

Are these boxes made of solid silver?

The listings feature a mixture of sterling silver, solid silver, and silver plated items. Many containers combine silver elements with wooden bodies like oak or ebonised wood. Examining the hallmarks stamped onto the metal helps determine the exact composition and origin of each individual piece.

How can I tell the period?

Dating relies on hallmarks, maker marks, and stylistic indicators associated with the Edwardian, Victorian, and George V eras. Arts and Crafts pieces display distinct hand-beaten textures and simpler geometric or natural motifs. Incorporate details such as tortoiseshell inlays and Rococo Revival styling alongside documented silversmith operating dates to narrow down the decade of creation.