Silver box

I was handed down this silver box and letter opener. Does anyone have any information on them? The box says 800 on the bottom.

 

Both have a middle eastern flavour. The 800 is 80% silver, less pure than coin or sterling.

 

Thanks, any idea of the inlay? Also what time period?

 

The letter opener is North African, Tunisia or Morocco. It probably has a tiny French silver mark for .800 silver hidden somewhere.
In the last photo of this listing you can see what to look for, but they are very dificult to see without a magnifying glass:
https://www.etsy.com/nl/listing/472...ery=silver bracelet tunisia&ref=sr_gallery_10

 

If you post more pictures, it will be easier for us to see. Please click on the 'full image' button when you do.

 

The inlay could be gold.Those pieces are stunning.

 

That might be something written in arabic on the top/middle of the box... don't know how you could get a translation if it is.
I agree...it's beautiful.

 

looks like islamic writing...very nice..

 

Thanks for all the replies. I snapped a quick photo before I had to leave out of town for a few days. I'll post a few more detailed photos when I return home.

Thanks again,
Brian

 

Yes it is Islamic, I see the name of Allah on both of them. That is just about all I recognize in Arabic script.
Islamic phrases and verses are used a lot in the Islamic world, they serve as protection and give the owner an affirmation that guidance is always with him/her. Besides, Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful artform in itself.

Looking forward to more detailed pictures. Try the rims for those tiny silvermarks.

 

Just a note on posting images: When loading your images, the very top one says "post ALL IMAGES FULL SIZE"......click THAT one once they're loaded small, and then they will all appear LARGE!!! Thanks!!! MUCH EASIER on older eyes!!! Images should be NO LARGER than 1 MB.....480 x 640 is a good general size.

 

http://tinypic.com/r/2vnkvnm/9

Hope this is better. Having a hard time uploading a photo larger then 1mb from my phone.

Thanks again for the replies. I'll post additional photos asap.

Brian

 

Thank you!

 

Using search terms Mamluk and/or Cairoware you will see similar quality work. Cairoware uses a copper or brass base so is not as fine/valuable work as this but the design motifs and workmanship are similar. It also uses niello which is a black alloy inlay. I can't tell if your box has any niello in it or not from this pic.

 

Verybrad,

I agree the artwork on the box looks very much like Ciaroware. Although this box looks different, not sure how to explain it. Maybe not as old as the other ones I'm seeing? I know I'm not giving you guys much to work with only providing one photo but I do appreciate the input. I'm eager to get home and snap a few more photos. I can recall the 800 on the bottom of the box and Impressions on the underside of the lid if that helps.

Please keep the input coming if possible.

Thanks
Brian

 

keep the photo's coming.....we'll do the rest...!

 

komokwa,

Finally making it home from a business trip. I'll post more detailed photos here in the next hour or two.

Thanks
Brian