Napoleon III Silver Niello Snuff Box with Madonna Decoration

Napoleon III parcel gilt silver and niello snuff box and cover,…
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Napoleon III parcel gilt silver and niello snuff box and cover, c.1880, by Claude Doutre-D.Roussel of 18 Rue du temple, beautifully decorated with central image of Madonna and Child in rural landscape, flanked by scroll work, the lower section decorated with vine and berry motifs, total weight 38gm. Provenance: collection of the late Fredric Sinfield, Sydney NSW, 1938 - 2008

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  • Niello - A compound made up of lead silver copper and sulphur that is black in colour, and applied to the engraved areas of silver items, thus highlighting the engraving by making the black niello detail stand out from the silver background. It was used on edged weapons from the Renaisance onwards, and also by Russian crafstmen of the19th century.
  • Parcel Gilt - An item or component that is partially gilded, the purpose of the gilding being to accentuate the decoration. For example a silver vessel may have gilded highlights, or the leg of a table or chair may have gilded carvings.

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