Vintage Filigree Pill Box with Faux Pearl
Decorative Art / Small Personal Accessory • Unidentified commercial manufacturer; stylistic similarities to mass-produced vanity items from American or European companies (e.g., Stratton or Florenza).
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Revival / Hollywood Regency; utilizing neo-Baroque or Rococo-style decorative elements.
Medium & Technique
Mixed metal (likely brass or copper-based alloy with a bronze-colored patina), filigree wirework, and a central faux pearl or synthetic cabochon bezel-set into the lid.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter; circular/cylindrical depth of 0.75 inches.
Subject Description
A circular personal container features a decorative lid composed of scrolling metal filigree in a floral or snowflake-like pattern. At the center is a single cream-colored pearl imitation, surrounded by smaller circular metal accents. The body is simple and cylindrical with a side-opening mechanism.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; reflecting its age as a vintage utilitarian object.
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $55 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $30 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired through secondary market retail or estate liquidation. No visible maker’s marks are discernible from the primary angle.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war boom in affordable luxury and 'vanity' accessories for women. While not a unique work of fine art, it reflects the mid-century aesthetic preference for historical revival styles and the democratization of decorative objects.
Notable Features
The open-work filigree lid provides a tactile, three-dimensional quality; the contrasting bronze-tone finish against the light-colored pearl is a classic mid-century design trope.
Condition Issues
Visible surface oxidation (patina) on the metal, dust accumulation in the filigree crevices, and potential minor scuffing on the faux pearl surface.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a soft-bristled brush to remove dust; avoid harsh chemical cleaners which could strip the intentional patina or damage the pearl coating.