Rococo Revival Footed Trinket Box
Decorative Art / Metalware Jewelry Box • Unidentified manufacturer; typical of American or European makers such as Jennings Brothers, Benedict Mfg, or Art Metal Works.
Style & Movement
Rococo Revival (Victorian/Edwardian Era)
Medium & Technique
Cast spelter (zinc alloy) or white metal with a gold-toned or brass-plated finish; sand-casted or die-casted with embossed relief details.
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th Century (circa 1890-1920)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 3.5 x 4.5 x 3 inches; organic oval format with footed base.
Subject Description
The box features ornate C-scrolls, floral motifs (roses and daisies), and acanthus leaf patterns. It stands on four cabriole-style feet and features a hinged lid with a domed top decorated with floral repoussé patterns.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the original gold plating is heavily worn, showing the grey/dull base metal beneath. Typical oxidation and patina for its age.
Estimated Market Value
USD $30 - $60
Auction Estimate
USD $20 - $45
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a mass-produced consumer luxury item from the turn of the century, commonly sold in jewelry stores or department stores.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the Victorian obsession with historical styles and the industrialization of luxury goods, making ornate 'noble' styles accessible to the middle class.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its heavy casting and the 'Antimonium' or spelter base metal visible under the gold finish; features 'four-footed' design typical of vanity sets from the 1900 era.
Condition Issues
Significant loss of gilding/finish; surface pitting; moderate oxidation; hinge may be loose; dirt accumulation within the deep relief casting.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a soft brush and non-abrasive cloth; avoid harsh chemical cleaners that would strip the remaining plating; store in a dry environment to prevent further zinc pest or corrosion.