William and Mary, late 17th Century engraved silver cut-corner rectangular box. Rare. London circa 1690.
William and Mary, late 17th Century engraved silver cut-corner rectangular box. Rare. London circa 1690.
8701
Rare and beautifully engraved William and Mary 17th Century silver cut-corner rectangular box. Stamped twice with the maker's mark only on the inside of the base - "PR" crowned - an unattributed London silversmith. It was not unusual for such boxes to be stamped with the maker's mark only in that period.
The lid of the box is engraved with a man drinking beside a village pond. The base is engraved with a soldier holding a halberd and surrounded by abundant foliate scrolls. There is a strong juxtaposition of peace and the threat of war in the engraving of this box.
These boxes are often called "Squeezy Boxes" colloquially because you have to squeeze them to open the lid. There is a steel spring on the inside of the box for this purpose.
London circa 1690.
Provenance: The Albert Collection.
Silver
Excellent condition and the steel spring is still in good working order.
Size:- L. 8.5 cm (3 inches) x W. 5.1 cm (2 inches) x H. 1.75 cm (0.7 inches)
c 1690
London
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