Messages

1

Antique Questions Forum / An unusual snuff box

« on: February 26, 2025, 11:21:46 am »

The result of an impulse buy .
There are no markings of any kind, the rim tested positive for 14 k gold, negative for 18, but it took some time, for a bit it looked like a positive on the 18K too. Maybe something in the middle ?
The case is ivory with I think tortoise shell hoops on the rims Other then that is just a guess. Do they belong toghether ? Or its just a medallion someone planted on a later case? The miniature looks correct , clothes on the sitter look like from the 1770-1780s. The piece is Austrian in origin. Looked like Mozart to me, but i hope not. Rather have an "usual" nobleman from that era, then something that could have been painted much later.
Any thoughts will be appreciated cos I'm out of my element on this one.
The case is 7 cm in diameter, height of 2.2, the portrait 5 cm by 4, with the frame, the frame about half a centimeter wide.
 

2

Antique Questions Forum / Cigarette case

« on: February 26, 2025, 11:18:17 am »

Austrian, from the 30s, not something out of the ordinary, other than the fact that it has these gold inlays.
Then things get a bit complicated, its a matter of volume and density. I tested the gold and it was a positive for 14 K, but at a combined surface of 18x92 mm it gives a weight value of over 10 grams at a thickness of just 0.5mm. Just from a normal gold volume calculator.
Basically, the gold is worth more than the silver. 125 gr in total.
My question is , is there an noninvasive way to find out the thickness of the inlay ? Or from your experience, if you had the chance to see one "disected". Also what is the minimum thikness that can hold an engraving ? This can be a clue as the all the bands are the same hight.