British hallmarked sterling silver snuff box with putti relief, 1981
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1981
This vintage snuff box is crafted from hallmarked sterling silver, featuring detailed decorative elements characteristic of mid-to-late 20th-century metalwork. The rectangular container is distinguished by a highly ornate lid, which features a central relief carving depicting putti—a common motif in classical and revivalist decorative arts.
The sides of the box are further embellished with intricate foliate or scrollwork patterns, providing a cohesive aesthetic. Designed for portability, the box measures approximately 2 centimeters in height, 4 centimeters in width, and 5 centimeters in depth, with a weight of approximately 35 grams. The piece bears British hallmarks indicating it was assayed in Birmingham in 1981, and it is attributed to the maker A. Marston and Co.
Such boxes were traditionally used to store snuff, a pulverized tobacco product, and remain collectable for their craftsmanship, use of precious metals, and decorative reliefs.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 35 grams
- Material
- sterling silver
- Dimensions
- 2cm H x 4cm W x 5cm D
Technical characteristics
- Hallmarks
- Birmingham 1981
Design
- Motif
- putti in relief
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- A Marston and Co
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.