Featured Gilt Metal Box with Enamel Portrait

I am interested in buying this if the price is right. I know nothing about the subject and seek some guidance.

It is 6.1cm diameter x 4.1cm height. Russian. Gilt finish, looks at least vintage or a lot older. The top is much darker than either the other external surfaces or those internal to the box. The base looks as if it is signed by the artist or owner, but is unreadable by me.

Ideas and opinions being sought, please.

 

I would have thought French.

 

Why do you think Russian?

the top worries me. That ormolu has lost all its finish.

 

Ditto. @kyratango ?

I wonder why that loss is just on the lid. I also wonder if it is tarnish/dirt rather than loss of gilding, and if it would look fine after a good but gentle clean.

 

Great minds, French seems most likely.

might be worth a sunshine cloth.

 

In my house things get dusty and I dust the top off rather than the whole thing. I wonder it just too much dusting or scrubbing to get the dust out of the crevices.

 

I went back to the seller, and he responded: "Hi I was given this by my brother who has dealt in antiques and collectables for over 30 years and he said he thinks it is Russian and I have not tried to clean it as I prefer to leave things in their original condition. I think it has quite a bit of age to it so I guess it is just wear from handling. Hope this is helpful".

So, an answer without answers!

 

Oh dear.

I think I’d pass unless it’s very very cheap.

 

I would pass, too much of a gamble.

 

Russian or French, the painting does not strike me as reaching the level even of competent. Leave it.

 

It does not look Russian to me - neither the lady on the portrait nor the decoration of the box. Not that I am expert but have seen a few Russian pieces.

 

Thank you all. I had already decided to leave it.

 

That is a French kiln fired enamel box usually made in Limoges France. The brass or bronze metal usually dulls on top from filth and age. I usually polish them with Simichrome and they come back to life, although the original shiny glaze is sometimes gone. They look so pretty when you get all the gunk off of them

Here are some examples of that shimmery type of that enamel work made by Limoges:

https://antiques-uncommon-treasure....HMtbqe4luHd-crxibnXunJ3R4ZRzDNjRoCuqUQAvD_BwE

https://www.etsy.com/listing/147797...JwGAqAr5KzTZIFktRNAx_MQSMRPFOOYxoCUmgQAvD_BwE

https://www.google.com/search?sca_e...bGQAakQ0pQJegQIDxAB&biw=1251&bih=741&dpr=1.25

Where did you find it? If the price is right since you don't want to buy it, I would love to get a crack at it if you wouldn't mind sharing a link.

 

I forgot to mention the metal might be copper plated and that is why it looks so dull. These antique Limoges kiln fired portraits were sometimes done on copper.

 

Lol, I always forget something and then come back and realize it later. They also call those French portraits "Foiled Limoges Enamel Portraits"

 

Limoges is a place not a company.

 

I am aware of that. It is "a Limoges", as in the place/location of France foil enamel box. The OP mentioned Russia. I was just letting them know it was definitely of French origin and gave them links of examples to see.

These foil enamel portraits were made in the Limoges area of France and you can find them on plaques, pendants, rings, bracelets, boxes, jewel caskets, brooches, vases and other objects. The Limoges area of France was notorious for making these beautiful pieces.

The earlier ones were of the best quality. The enamel portraits from the teens to the 1930's like the OP's, started getting sloppy, but the trinket, powder, jewel, and pill boxes are highly collectible and sought after by collectors of miniature portraits no matter what era they were made in. The earlier pieces of course command the higher values.

 

By the way @Bakersgma Please don't take this as me being snarky, but there was no need to roll your eyes at me. It is rude and unfriendly. There are nicer ways to convey your message in a friendlier manner and it may make others who see that not want to participate. I was just excited to be able to help the OP make an identification on the piece they enquired about and may have gotten a little too over excited. Next time I will give more info on Limoges not being a maker if someone asks for an id.

 

You said in your first sentence "made in Limoges France" so I felt you were perfectly clear. The internet is stuffed with info and sometimes we skim over things accidently when reading I think. I try to use the emojis to be friendly when I can, and some of them look right but are tagged as different emotions and I'm sometimes afraid another will misinterpret my intent... I hope everyone here comes to be helpful and have good feelings about the board and sharing, as you said. There are too many places for snark...and not that I don't enjoy some of those, but it's nice to have a break!

Anyway, I agree with your assessment. Some of the early ones are just draw-droppingly beautiful. They can be not as good, as of course depends on the artist, or theme they're working from, but they can be charming overall and I understand why there are collectors for them in general. I hope someone picks this up that loves it.

 

we're generally a good bunch here.......... but...shit happens !
misunderstandings.....r easy to fix or overlook.....but occasionally.....there are disruptive forces at work........& they usually get dealt with in short order !!!!

this is not one of those times...