Featured Recent charity shop find - unmarked silver?

Hi all, found this gorgeous thing for NZ$15 in a charity shop recently. No makers or hallmarks at all, but it sure looks like silver. In the same shop I also got two fully hallmarked antique British items for $1 & $2! Gotta love charity shops. Anyway, keen to know what you knowledgeable folk think of what I assume is a jewelry casket, age, maker etc. The lock itself is a piece of art. Even if it's plated I just love the design.
It weighs 435g and is 26cm by 11cm.
Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

Interesting casket, Dory. Is there a place you could take it to be tested?

 

likely needs testing....

 

You might want to check the inside rim on the box. I can see something that may just be scratches in the 7th image from the top. The French and Portuguese are notorious for hiding marks.

 

It's hand engraved and there appears to be 3 marks inside back side rim.

 

Thanks Bakersgma - Not that I know of, but I'll ask around.

 

Will see if I can find somewhere to get it done. thanks

 

Hi, no, it does look a bit like it, but I've gone over every inch and there's no marks. I'm usually quite good at finding marks but this one's got me stumped.

 

Yes, I see what you mean, but no marks at all I'm afraid.

 

Take it to one of those gold-buyer places, or a jeweler's or pawnshop. They likely have the right equipment to test for silver.

 

Beautiful piece.

 

WHat does it smell like?

 

Thanks. Yes, I did think of that, but since I don't want to sell it, thought it might be a bit unfair. I guess I could pay to have it tested though.

 

Thanks, I think so too.

 

OBB, I can't smell anything at all?

 

So what does everyone think age-wise? A name for the shape/design? And purpose - I presumed jewelry, but would have expected a padded silk lining (of course it could have been removed if damaged)? Thanks

 

A lot of these places should test silver or gold for free, or at least, for a minimal fee. There's a gold-buyer place in the next suburb from my house which I go to every now and then to get rid of scrap silver etc, and they're always happy to test things. It takes a handful of minutes.

 

What happens if u put an ice cube inside? Does the ice melts fast and start moving around? Do the whole object gets cold almost instantly after placing the ice on it?

 

Id guess Art Nouveau . 1900 or so . The more I look the more I wonder if it might be nickle silver ?

 

Some non silvers have a sort of metallic smell. It's not a defintive test but can be a clue.