How do I date an art deco box?

Dating relies upon hallmarks on silver components, registry numbers, and stylistic markers specific to the interwar decades. British silver pieces carry assay office marks and date letters that pinpoint the exact year of manufacture. Material choices like shagreen, white onyx, and moulded crystal also align with particular periods between the first and second world wars. Comparing the construction methods with documented maker portfolios narrows the timeline further.

What were powder boxes used for?

Powder boxes held loose cosmetic face powder on dressing tables before the widespread adoption of modern compacts. Women used them alongside puff applicators during daily grooming routines. Many incorporate ceramic half-doll figures or crystal bowls designed to sit centrally among vanity jars. Their decorative nature meant they remained on display rather than stored away.

What is the difference between a trinket box and a cigarette box?

Trinket boxes generally feature shallow depths intended for rings, pins, and small personal keepsakes. Their interiors often remain unlined or feature simple velvet pads. Cigarette and table boxes feature deeper wooden or metallic chambers sized to hold standard tobacco formats. Many include internal dividers or cedar linings to preserve the contents.