Description:

North America, probably Mexico, Spanish Colonial Period, ca. mid-18th to early 19th century CE. An exquisite example of a tinder box with an ovoid body made of 79% silver and a striker made of 75% silver. The body is engraved with intricate floral motifs, has a removable lid, and has a lengthy chain linked between the lid and the striker. The silver striker body exhibits a striding lioness or panther on top of a steel striker panel. Intricate tinder boxes made from silver like this example were perhaps displayed by wealthy individuals in their vest pockets and used for lighting cigarettes or cigars rather than for basic camp-related uses. Size: 20.125" L (51.1 cm); (tinder box): 1.3" W x 2.625" H (3.3 cm x 6.7 cm); quality of silver: 75% for striker, and 79% for body.

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired in 2015; ex-private Mexico City, Mexico collection

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#155377

  • Condition: Both body and striker have minor abrasions and indentations to surfaces, with softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout. Lid is removable from box body.

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May 21, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000