1900s Swedish Sterling Silver and Faux Tortoiseshell Floral Compact

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Swedish Sterling Silver And Tortoiseshell Floral Compact

A finely made Swedish sterling silver and tortoiseshell compact or small hinged case, … Read more Swedish Sterling Silver And Tortoiseshell Floral Compact

A finely made Swedish sterling silver and tortoiseshell compact or small hinged case, the square form mounted with elaborate silver floral and foliate decoration over warm amber-brown tortoiseshell panels. The exterior is richly ornamented for its small scale, with scrolling vines, blossoms, buds, and chased borders continuing around the sides, giving the piece the character of a refined personal luxury object.

The case is Swedish, early 20th century, and bears Swedish silver hallmarks in two places, including the sterling/silver standard mark. Without a clearly visible maker’s mark, we are unable to determine who produced this piece. Its design belongs to the Art Nouveau and Edwardian-period taste for naturalistic ornament, richly figured organic materials, and finely worked silver-mounted dressing-table accessories.

The interior continues the tortoiseshell treatment, including a translucent panel with silhouetted vine decoration, suggesting a carefully conceived object rather than a merely utilitarian case. The shallow hinged form may have served as a compact, vanity case, card case, or small personal box.

Measurements: 2.75" w x 2.875" d x .375" h. See less