Silver filigree. Filigree work is an art form which has existed since since 3,000 BC. Silver is an ideal metal due to its softness but filigree can also be found in gold and other metals.
Below are some examples and price guides of some silver filigree boxes including a Besamim box and an Imperial silver box.
A silver-gilt filigree and enamel box
unmarked possibly Chinese
Rectangular form, the hinged cover with reeded rim and a shaped thumbpiece, opening to reveal a gilt interior with a hinged pierced grille that pulls up, the exterior cover and sides decorated in delicate filigree work inset with blue and green enamel flowers, height 2cm, length 4.5cm, weight 1.3oz.
Sold for £637.50 inc. premium at Bonhams in 2022
Silver peppermint box, 833/000, square contoured model decorated with filigree and soldered elements. MT.: probably JHGaillard, Schoonhoven, b:1861. 6x6x2.5cm. approx. 56 grams. In good condition.
Sold for €120 at Twents Veilinghuis in 2023
An antique Judaica Besamim box, of a spherical form with scrolled handle to the side, featuring a spherical leg mounted on a domed pedestal. Decorated throughout with intricate openwork filigree motifs. Illegibly hallmarked to the handle. Also stamped to the rim with two hallmarks depicting a swan in profile facing left in an oval frame. The Swan mark was introduced on 1st June 1864, it was used on silver articles imported into France from countries without Customs Conventions. Its use was discontinued on 1st June 1893 as it was now stipulated that all imported gold and silver should comply with the same conditions as that was manufactured in France. Circa the late 19th century. Judaica Silver Decorative Collectibles, Antique Silver Tableware Items, Religious And Spiritual Objects. Weight: 87 g.
Dimensions: Overall size: H 3 1/2 in.
Sold for US$150 at Antique Arena Inc. in 2023
Fine 925 Sterling Silver Oval Snuff Spice Box. Featuring handcrafted leaf filigree & beaded work. Silver Weight: 65 Grams Dimensions: Height: 1.25 Inches Width: 2.50 Inches
Sold for US$205 at Mynt Auctions in 2023
A rare Chinese imperial filigree, gilt and polychrome enamelled silver lidded box inlaid with precious stones, Qianlong
Sold for €32,000 at Rob Michiels Auctions in 2023
