Beautiful Antique Small Brass Box Colorful Floral Micro Mosaic Decoration Hinged Lid
Description: A beautiful antique brass oval pill box having a hinged lid. The hinged lid is decorated with a beautiful and very colorful micro mosaic (colored glass pieces arranged into a specific design) design showing two flowers in the center surrounded by a light blue are then all surrounded by what looks like blue flowers with white centers on a red background. The box has a thumb piece that protrudes at out at the edge of the lid. The sides of the box are decorated with a raised floral design while the bottom of the box is smooth and undecorated. The interior of the box is undecorated and is unmarked further confirming our assertion that it is a box from the late1800s or early 1900s before the laws required such products be marked as to their origin. Newer boxes like this one are normally marked Italy. This is truly a beautiful box that is well made and is worthy of a spot in your collection of small boxes. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description. Date: Uncertain but most likely late 1800's or early 1900's.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The piece was most likely made in Italy.
Size: Measures ~1 3/8” by ~1" at the base and is ~3/4" high with the lid closed. The box weighs a little less than 1 ounce.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is definitely a pretty and well made pill box, which deserves a spot in your small box collection.
Condition: Box is in very good condition given its age and utilitarian function. It has no cracks, breaks, or repairs. The micro mosaic design itself is in excellent condition with no losses to any of the mosaic pieces or fading of the colors. However, upon examining the micro mosaic with 10X magnifier we observe a few very small chips to some of the glass tiles, which cannot be seen with the naked eye. The hinge is in excellent condition and works very well. The box does not close completely and tightly as it should but it still closes and the extension on the lid still catches the side to keep the box closed. The surface of the brass has a few scratches, some stains, signs of minor oxidation and a few dings and bumps (see bottom of box). The box could probably use a good cleaning and the brass could use a shining, but we leave that to the new owner's discretion. Please see the photos for additional condition information.
