This is a beautiful item
French in origin
displaying the silver Full Guarantee Hallmark with the Head of Minerva which denotes 950 purity of silver NOT the standard 800
The maker’s mark is rubbed and have been unable to identify the maker.
The Large Minerva mark was used from 1838 onwards
The case measures 8 cm by 4.6 cm and is 1.4 cm deep
Very heavy weighing 2.78 Troy ounces or 86.6 Grams
Internally the box is gilded
Decoration to the lid displays all the Masonic marks expected. Sun, Moon, All Seeing Eye, Two levels and Square and Compass, a chequered floor that represents the Ground Floor of King Solomon’s temple, and two Pillars. The box has ornate and very fine markings all around the box the markings on the rear are rubbed as are the markings on the base.
There is an initialing to the centre which I cannot decipher.
This is a rare item as are most 19th century Masonic items these days. And, therefore an opportunity to own something very unique.
To be honest, I shall never in all likelihood find another of it’s like. I am reluctant to sell.
This is a very special gift for that special Mason be they male or female.
What would this person do with it? all I can say is every time I pass it in my workshop I have to pick it up. And then wonder how many hands this has passed through in the last one and a half centuries!
If I show it to a Mason they to are also enthralled by it.
