Niello Silver Snuff Box, Moscow 1873

Rectangular niello silver snuff box with rectangular edges. The borders and the base are nielloed with a geometric pattern, while the lid is engraved with a bridge and architecture in the background. The assay marks include the 84 zolotnik silver standard, Saint George and the Dragon for Moscow, the assayer's mark with initials BC in the year 1873, and the maker's mark, an unidentified silversmith's initials PF. Inside, there is a label from a Milanese gallery. In good condition, except for natural wear of the niello and a minor dent on the base. Niello is a goldsmithing technique that involves inlaying engraved grooves on precious metals like gold and silver with a black compound called niello. This compound, made of silver, copper, sulfur, and lead (and sometimes tin and borax), creates a strong decorative contrast, as seen in many medieval and Renaissance artworks. The term derives from the Latin nigellum, a diminutive of niger (black). Period: 1800 Height: 1.2 cm Width: 5.4 cm Depth: 2.7 cm art. A1497