French Silver Bodkin Case in the Shape of a Crinoline Lady, circa 1880, Paris

Antique Dutch silver vesta case in the shape of an officers boot. Dated circa 1870. 833 standard silver. With sprung push button opening and striking surface underneath.  

Victorian 18-carat topped glass scent bottle, dated circa 1880. Heavy quality glass scent bottle with hinged gold lid which has a ducal crest and original owners initials.

This is a turn of the 19th Century sterling silver decorative bowl designed and crafted by silversmith Odiot, Paris. The piece was crafted in France circa 1880. The rounded shape resting on a floral pedestal has an "HD" monogram engraved on the side. The piece boasts lovely raised detailed handles with acanthus leaf decor. The same acanthus leaves also adorn the rim of the bowl. The inside is vermeil (sterling silver covered with 18 Karats gold). The piece is signed on the underside Odiot - Paris with company legal hallmarks and Minerva legal stamp for French sterling silver. The bowl is in good condition, with a tiny bump on the side. Check the close-up with a black arrow. Dimensions: 8.25 in wide (21 cm) x 5.50 in deep (14 cm) x 4.50 in high (11.5 cm) - The bowl diameter is 5.5 in (14 cm). Maison Odiot was founded in 1690, during the reign of Louis XIV, by Jean-Baptiste Gaspard Odiot, a skilled silversmith. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte gave Jean-Baptiste Claude, grandson of Jean-Baptiste Gaspard, many prestigious commissions for himself and his families, such as the sacred scepter, the royal sword...

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...