Description

An elegant vintage jewelry or trinket box combining warm gilt-brass ornament with creamy ivory-toned Bakelite panels. The rectangular box is embellished with foliate corner mounts, patterned metal borders, and bracket feet, giving it the appearance of a miniature neoclassical casket.

At the center of the hinged lid is a circular portrait plaque depicting a fashionable young woman in period dress, framed by radiating incised lines across the surrounding Bakelite panel. The fitted brass hardware, decorative clasp, and richly detailed mounts create a refined contrast with the restrained interior, which is lined in unfinished wood.

A small metal tab at the rear is marked “Made in Italy.” With its compact proportions and decorative presence, the box works equally well for jewelry, keepsakes, or simply as an object displayed on a dressing table or bookshelf.

Object Details

Maker: Unidentified
Origin: Italy
Date: Early-to-mid 20th century
Object type: Jewelry or trinket box
Materials: Bakelite, gilt brass, wood, and portrait plaque beneath glass
Markings: “Made in Italy” stamped on metal tab
Dimensions: Approximately 2¼ inches high × 4¼ inches wide × 3½ inches deep
Interior: Unlined wood compartment
Provenance: Acquired from the secondary market

Condition

Good vintage condition with visible wear consistent with age and use. The brass mounts and borders display tarnish, darkening, rubbing, and areas of finish loss. The Bakelite panels show scattered surface marks, faint discoloration, small scratches, and minor irregularities along several seams.

The portrait plaque shows age-related fading and surface wear beneath its glazed cover. There is minor separation and wear around portions of the metal trim and corner mounts. The wooden underside and interior show scratches, stains, abrasions, and general handling wear. The hinges and clasp appear functional from visual inspection.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Purchase Details

Price: $295
Shipping quoted separately. Please inquire for additional photographs, condition details, or a shipping estimate.