Art Nouveau French Silver Match Box, Intricate Details

A remarkable intricately designed, handcrafted silver box, circa 1880s. We were told that this box is sterling silver and that the makers mark "M" is that of "M. Mayer". Maurice MAYER was a very prestigious silversmith. Research shows that he was an "Orfèvre de l'Empereur", Napoleon Bonaparte, 1860-1870. The Minerva hallmarks are not visible, may have been rubbed off from use and cleaning. No documentation. This intricately carved box depicts the romantic poem of Le Roman de la Rose (The Romance of the Rose). Comes with the original lock and key. Le Roman de la Rose, begun by Guillaume de Lorris circa 1230 and completed, in a different style, circa 1270-1280, by Jean de Meun, builds on the concept of courtly love found in the poetry of the troubadours. The authors create a complex allegory of the romance between the Lover and the Rose. In the quest to pick the Rose (to achieve the conquest of love), the flower and its attendants represent the Lady and her sentiments while being wooed. In the first part of the poem, written by de Lorris, the Lover recounts his dream, ending with the winning of a kiss from the Lady. In the dream, the Lover discovers a walled garden and gains entrance thanks to a beautiful young woman. He meets Diversion and dancers who represent courtly values such as Beauty and Generosity. A tour of the garden brings him to a beautiful bed of roses by the Fountain of Love...

A stunning antique Japanese silver cigar, jewelry or keepsake box intricately designed and handcrafted, circa 1900s. Double skinned body, sides and lid are embossed in high-relief ...

Art Nouveau French sterling silver carving set comprised of a large knife stamped Paris and a fork, circa 1880-1930 The set have a fantast...

An elegant 19th century French hallmarked sterling silver chocolate pot with embossed decoration. The pot is decorated with a band around the top. There is embossed decoration on top...

A fine quality French sterling silver creamer bearing the makers mark Aucoc. This most elegant pot has smooth surface and is intricately decorated. Additionally, there is an elegant beaked spout and a wooden handle. Maitre Andre Aucoc...

Beautiful hand decorated, Art Nouveau enameled glass trinket, or jewelry box. This is a gorgeous piece by Legras, makes a lovely gift to oneself or others. Measures: 4 1/8" Diameter x 3 1/4" Height Legras Art Glass...

Collection of six extraordinary sterling match safes. Largest 3" x 2", smallest 2 1/4" x 1 1/2". Period: Last quarter of the 19th century Origin: ...

Art Deco, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, London, year hallmarked for 1926. Measures almost 2 1/2 inches high x almost 2 3/4 inches diameter. Dark spots in ph...

Large, Art Deco, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, London, 1931, Henry Perkins and Sons - makers. Measures 2 3/4 inches high x 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Dark sp...

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Rare, Art Deco Period, sterling silver-mounted glass owl-form match striker (with original glass eyes), London, England, year-hallmarked for 1925. Excellent detail. Matches are stru...

Unusual, Art Deco, sterling silver-mounted Royal Doulton pottery match striker, Birmingham, England, 1927, J. Grinsell & Sons - silversmiths. Removable match "cup." Three large openings on sides of Royal Doulton striker for ashes, used matches...