Antique English Sterling Silver and Tortoiseshell Jewelry / Ring Box, Early 20th Century
Antique English Sterling Silver and Tortoiseshell Jewelry / Ring Box, Early 20th Century
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Item: Antique English Sterling Silver & Tortoiseshell Jewelry / Ring Box, Early 20th Century
Additional Description
A refined English sterling silver and tortoiseshell jewelry box, raised on delicate foliate feet and retaining its original fitted interior.
The low circular-form box is constructed in polished sterling silver with a hinged lid inset with a richly mottled dark tortoiseshell panel. The shell appears almost black at first glance but reveals warm reddish-brown and amber tones under stronger light. The lid is delicately inlaid with a fine silver floral and foliate design arranged around an open central reserve, likely intended for a monogram.
A second tortoiseshell panel lines the underside of the lid, giving the piece a particularly luxurious finish. The silver body has restrained molded borders and stands on three elegant stylized foliate feet. Inside, the box retains a cream padded textile cushion, suggesting use for a ring, brooch, or other small piece of jewelry.
The piece bears an English lion passant sterling silver standard mark, confirming sterling silver of .925 fineness. Additional marks are present but are partially worn. A faint side inscription appears to read “Made in England,” though the wording is not fully legible.
Era
Likely circa 1900–1925
Origin
England
Object Type
Jewelry box / ring box / small presentation casket
Materials
- English sterling silver, .925 fineness
- Tortoiseshell
- Silver inlay
- Cream textile-lined fitted interior
Marks / Hallmarks
- Lion passant sterling silver standard mark
- Additional partially worn hallmarks
- Faint side inscription appearing to read “Made in England”
History
Small sterling silver-mounted dressing-table and jewelry boxes became highly fashionable in England during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Tortoiseshell was especially prized for its translucency and rich mottled coloration and was frequently combined with sterling silver on luxury vanity objects, boxes, brushes, mirrors, and other personal accessories.
The delicate silver inlay on the tortoiseshell lid is especially characteristic of high-quality English dressing-table wares of the period. The fitted cushion suggests that this example was intended for a small piece of jewelry—most likely a ring, brooch, or similarly precious object—rather than functioning as a general-purpose trinket box.
Dimensions
Please add:
___” H × ___” diameter
Condition
Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. The sterling silver shows expected fine scratches, light surface wear, minor dents, and areas of oxidation. The tortoiseshell retains attractive color and translucency with scattered light surface wear.
The fitted cream textile interior shows age-related discoloration and wear but remains largely intact. The hinge appears present and functional.
Please review all photographs closely as they form part of the condition description.
Provenance
England, likely early 20th century.
Disclaimers
The sterling silver identification is supported by the visible lion passant hallmark. Additional maker, assay-office, or date marks are too worn in the current photographs to identify confidently.
The side inscription appears to read “Made in England,” but is partially faded and should be treated as a probable rather than definitive transcription.
The tortoiseshell attribution is based on visual examination and has not been scientifically tested. Tortoiseshell is a regulated wildlife material, and international shipment or sale may be restricted under CITES and other applicable laws.
Item: Antique English Sterling Silver & Tortoiseshell Jewelry / Ring Box, Early 20th Century
Additional Description
A refined English sterling silver and tortoiseshell jewelry box, raised on delicate foliate feet and retaining its original fitted interior.
The low circular-form box is constructed in polished sterling silver with a hinged lid inset with a richly mottled dark tortoiseshell panel. The shell appears almost black at first glance but reveals warm reddish-brown and amber tones under stronger light. The lid is delicately inlaid with a fine silver floral and foliate design arranged around an open central reserve, likely intended for a monogram.
A second tortoiseshell panel lines the underside of the lid, giving the piece a particularly luxurious finish. The silver body has restrained molded borders and stands on three elegant stylized foliate feet. Inside, the box retains a cream padded textile cushion, suggesting use for a ring, brooch, or other small piece of jewelry.
The piece bears an English lion passant sterling silver standard mark, confirming sterling silver of .925 fineness. Additional marks are present but are partially worn. A faint side inscription appears to read “Made in England,” though the wording is not fully legible.
Era
Likely circa 1900–1925
Origin
England
Object Type
Jewelry box / ring box / small presentation casket
Materials
- English sterling silver, .925 fineness
- Tortoiseshell
- Silver inlay
- Cream textile-lined fitted interior
Marks / Hallmarks
- Lion passant sterling silver standard mark
- Additional partially worn hallmarks
- Faint side inscription appearing to read “Made in England”
History
Small sterling silver-mounted dressing-table and jewelry boxes became highly fashionable in England during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Tortoiseshell was especially prized for its translucency and rich mottled coloration and was frequently combined with sterling silver on luxury vanity objects, boxes, brushes, mirrors, and other personal accessories.
The delicate silver inlay on the tortoiseshell lid is especially characteristic of high-quality English dressing-table wares of the period. The fitted cushion suggests that this example was intended for a small piece of jewelry—most likely a ring, brooch, or similarly precious object—rather than functioning as a general-purpose trinket box.
Dimensions
Please add:
___” H × ___” diameter
Condition
Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. The sterling silver shows expected fine scratches, light surface wear, minor dents, and areas of oxidation. The tortoiseshell retains attractive color and translucency with scattered light surface wear.
The fitted cream textile interior shows age-related discoloration and wear but remains largely intact. The hinge appears present and functional.
Please review all photographs closely as they form part of the condition description.
Provenance
England, likely early 20th century.
Disclaimers
The sterling silver identification is supported by the visible lion passant hallmark. Additional maker, assay-office, or date marks are too worn in the current photographs to identify confidently.
The side inscription appears to read “Made in England,” but is partially faded and should be treated as a probable rather than definitive transcription.
The tortoiseshell attribution is based on visual examination and has not been scientifically tested. Tortoiseshell is a regulated wildlife material, and international shipment or sale may be restricted under CITES and other applicable laws.