Silver Heart-Shaped box with many symbols

[brownie776]

Among some family heirlooms I have recently found is an antique Dutch silver heart-shaped box. I have identified the date mark (1895?), the duty stamp, the initials "MC", what appears to be a crab and several others. I am wondering what if anyone could provide me with further information. All photos can be found here: http://s1180.photobucket.com/albums/x41 ... ver%20Box/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks!

[oel]

Hello,

Heart shaped trinket box.

We see the Dutch lion passant above 2 with the export key. Those marks were used 1814-1953 being; 2nd standard silver or 83.3% pure silver and export key to indicate restitution 2/3 marking duty upon export of new or unused objects. I can see the Minerva head or assay office mark and the date letter L for 1895. The MC and the other marks are pseudo marks to imitate the old Guild marks, to impress the viewer.
The maker’s mark is on your first image but unfortunately not clear enough to identify the name of the maker. Perhaps you could make a better image (use macro function on a good camera) and/or decipher the letters/figures?

Oel

[brownie776]

Wow, thank you so much for such a thorough and informative response. I have taken a few more photos of the mark that you suggested may identify the name of the maker. Hopefully these are better quality and can provide further insight. Thanks again,

Adam

http://s1180.photobucket.com/albums/x41 ... ver%20Box/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[oel]

Sorry to much of a puzzle. So far no match found.

Oel

[brownie776]

I really appreciate your time and effort nonetheless. I find the enigmatic nature of the embedded symbols very intriguing. The info you were able to provide was quite helpful. One more question for you, do you know if there is much of a market for items like these? (US, or International)

Thanks again,

Adam

[oel]

Hi Adam,

You are welcome. Yes there is a market for it although not a rare item. It is silver and silver is in demand also appealing to trinket box collectors and antique silver box collectors. If you browse eBay and search for silver trinket box you will find all the information you need.


Oel