A silver snuff box with an Art Nouveau design, marked “800” and bearing the model number “9450,” is a fascinating piece. Here’s a breakdown of what these markings and style elements likely indicate.
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- “800” Mark: The “800” mark refers to the silver content of the piece, indicating that it is 80% pure silver. This standard is often seen in European silver items, especially in Germany, Italy, and France. While slightly less pure than sterling silver (925), 800 silver is still considered high-quality.
- “9450”: This model number likely refers to a specific design or pattern produced by the maker. It could help identify the manufacturer if cross-referenced with known catalogs or records.
- Design Elements: As with the Art Nouveau style, you can see flowing, organic designs, featuring nature-inspired motifs such as flowers, vines, or female figures. The craftsmanship would be detailed, with an emphasis on the beauty of the form and the beautifully gold washed interior.
- French Influence: Possibly French because the design is particularly elegant and refined, aligning with the Art Nouveau movement that was very popular in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Size: 73mm x 45mm, depth 22mm
This piece could be a significant example of Art Nouveau silverwork, especially if it turns out to be French. The combination of the style, silver content, and model number makes it a potentially valuable item.