Sterling Silver Boxes, Antique George IV ‘1823’

These exceptional and rare antique George IV sterling silver boxes have a plain rectangular form.

The surface of each silver box is plain and unembellished, with applied thread decoration to the lower rim.

Each box is fitted with a plain hinged hallmarked cover, ornamented with further applied thread decoration to the upper rim.

The upper plateaus of the covers are individually embellished with an impressive contemporary bright cut engraved crest: one bears out of a ducal coronet a wyvern below the motto ‘Avi Numerantur Avorum’ – The forefathers of our forefathers are numbered and to the other an eagle regardant with wings extended grasping an escutcheon charged with a lion’s head, below the ‘Virtute et Robore’ – By Virtue and Strength.

By virtue of its size these versatile 19th century boxes could be used for a multitude of functions.

Such original boxes of this period and size are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.

Condition
These antique silver dressing table/toilet boxes are a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition.

The applied decoration is all very sharp and the engraved heraldic markings are very crisp.

Full hallmarks struck to the underside of each box, in addition to part hallmarks to the surface of each cover are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the superior gauge of silver.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of these 19th century boxes.

Dimensions
Length 10.5cm/4.1″
Width 8cm/3.1″
Height 6cm/2.4″

Total Weight
25.6 troy ounces/797g

Date: 1823
Origin: London, England
Maker: John Reily.