{"product_id":"dutch-silver-833-basket-of-fruit-form-small-snuff-box-provincial-assay-c-1838","title":"Vermeil on Dutch Silver .833 Basket of Fruit form peppermint box | Provincial Assay c.1838","description":"\u003cp\u003eVermeil on Dutch Silver .833 Basket of Fruit form peppermint box\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA rare novelty Vermeil on Dutch Silver .833 Basket of Fruit form peppermint box. These charming examples appear to be peculiarly Dutch in origin and date from the 17th Century through to the early 20th Century. Personal hygiene was not a matter of great concern in former times, but anticipating breath fresheners and mouthwash peppermint boxes appear to have had enduring popularity. Created to be carried with you, these lovely little silver boxes would have been for peppermints or comfits.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThis most unusual and early example is in the form of a fruit basket. The tapering body has reeded and geometric engraving and the hinged lid features mounded fruit. There two little round loop rope form handles and the basket is marked to the body and the lid. A rare and collectable item of early European silver. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDating Dutch silver can be a bit of a challenge, but we use the Millers Encyclopedia of World Silver marks Vol I \u0026amp; II as our base references. It carries the rampant Lion looking right with a small 2 below which was the 833 mark used between 1814 and 1953. It carries a Regional Assay office mark - a profile head with a Greek Helmet used between 1814 and 1905. It Has a date Letter of a D in a circle  which translates to 1838. The makers mark does not register within my reference book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ec.1838\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWeighs 18 grams\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eApprox 4cms (1 1\/2\") wide\u003cbr\u003eApprox 2.5cms (1\") tall\u003cbr\u003eApprox 3cms (1 1\/4\") deep\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall in very nice condition, lid hinges nicely\u003cbr\u003eSlightly misshapen through opening and closing over the last 180+ years - but retains its Vermeil finish and is a stunning little piece\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sterling Silver","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47493133009124,"sku":"RA-0011795_C","price":300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0070\/9528\/7908\/files\/1833_pillbox_basket_1a.jpg?v=1769029057","url":"https:\/\/roundaboutantiques.com.au\/products\/dutch-silver-833-basket-of-fruit-form-small-snuff-box-provincial-assay-c-1838","provider":"Roundabout Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}