Moscow Niello Silver Snuffbox 1873, rectangular in shape with rectangular edges. The edges and bottom of this Russian silver box are nielloed with a geometric pattern, while the lid is engraved with a bridge and architecture in the background. The hallmarks show the 84 zolotnik silver standard, Saint George and the Dragon relating to the city of Moscow, the mark of the assayer with the initials BC in the year 1873, and finally the initials of the unidentified silversmith PF. Inside is the label of a Milanese gallery. In good condition except for natural wear of the niello and a minor dent on the bottom.
Niello is a goldsmithing technique that involves inlaying grooves etched on precious metals such as gold and silver with a black compound called niello. This compound, based on silver, copper, sulfur, and lead (and sometimes tin and borax), creates a strong decorative contrast, as seen in many medieval and Renaissance works of art. The term comes from the Latin nigellum, diminutive of niger (black).
Period: 1800. Height: 1.2 cm Width: 5.4 cm Depth: 2.7 cm Art.A1497.
