French Silver Art Nouveau Sovereign Holder

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...

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...

An impressive sterling silver bowl by Alphonse La Paglia for International Sterling. Alphonse La Paglia is known for his distinct designs and studied under Georg Jensen. This bowl ha...

The design and workmanship of this set are stunning. The handles have sophisticated Art Nouveau Pattern different decor, flowers, vine leaves, bunch of grapes, foliage, decor dahlias...

A fine quality French Art Nouveau double crystal inkwell or wooden pen holder. This French Art Nouveau desk accessory is a beautiful piece and a wo...

A beautiful English Art Deco period sterling silver tobacco cigarette holder case, circa early-20th century, England. Marked 'Sterling' on inside...

Hallmarked in London 1901 by John Tiley, this stylish, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Belt Buckle, measures 3.75"(9.5cm) wide a...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Russian silver vesta case in the form of a boot, an addition to our diverse smoking related silverware collection. This exceptional antique silver vesta case...

Queen Anne style double pipe holder in solid silver. The pipe holders have a round fluted base pods and are fixed on the silver tray with small bolts that are removable for cleanin...

A stylish Continental, probably Dutch, wooden handled silver ashtray or cheroot holder dating from the 19th century. The heavily made container is of re...

Sterling silver tennis ball holder smooth 925 sterling silver ball holder tube, featuring an engraved oval with 2 rackets and balls. The lid is smooth with a lowered central part. Th...