VINTAGE 800 SILVER ENAMEL FAUX TURQUOISE BOTTICELLI’S VENUS PORTRAIT PILL BOX
This is a beautiful, and very attractive little pill box and is of Italian origin. It features a portrait of a woman with long flowing hair and is painted after and adapted from a circa 1485-86 original painting by Italian artist Sandro Botticelli titled "The Birth of Venus.” The portrait is well painted (100% hand-painted) by a very skilled artist. The portrait area is surrounded by four hand-painted faux turquoise enamel panels. The remainder of the silver case is very skillfully and elaborately hand chased over the entire exterior of the pill box. This piece has been in my personal collection since 1994. The pill box in my photos is the actual piece you will receive. Please be sure to read the “AGE AND CONDITION” and “Approximate Dimensions” paragraphs below.
Originally, this pill box had an overall vermeil (gold) gilding covering the silver. The outside retains none of this and the interior retains some of it.
This pill box is marked with a hallmark that reads “800” on the inside. This is for the silver content, a grade slightly below sterling silver. The only other markings I see are a couple of small number marks that are probably some type of inventory number marks. I have not had the pill box tested for the metal purity by a jeweler.
I do my best to describe all items as accurately as possible and to the best of my ability. Some of my photos may be somewhat lighter or darker than actual to better show detail or color. However, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or with requests for additional pictures. I will get back to you as soon as I am able. I want your transaction with me to be exactly the way I want mine to be when I am the buyer.
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Age and Condition
This piece probably dates to circa 2nd quarter of the 20th century.
It is in excellent to near mint condition. Please look closely at the photos as they are an important part of my description of this item. There are some minor and very light signs of age-related use (tiny scuffs and scratches) to the silver. These are consistent with a piece of this age and exactly what I would expect to see on a piece like this. The enamel looks to be in mint condition; I do not see any repairs or loss to the enamel, but I will mention that it appears to me the enamel may have been re-coated at some point, as it has an uneven surface rather than the smooth finish I would have expected to see – I tried to picture this in the last photo. I see no dents, dings, splits, or damage to the silver, only a bit of tarnish. The pill box opens and closes and latches crisply as it should with no problems and the hinge is nice and tight. Please keep in mind these photos may be blown up at least 8-10 times normal, so anything you see will look 8-10 times larger in the photos than it really is.
Please note: if you see a dark spot in the photos, it is from my camera and is not a mark on the piece. It will be either just to the right of center towards the bottom or slightly above center on the right side of the photo.
Approximate Dimensions
The pill box is about 1.5625” (4 cm) long by about 1.25” (3.2 cm) wide and about .375” (1.0 cm) thick.
Approximate Weight
About .625 ounces (19 grams).
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PAYMENT, SHIPPING, Insurance & PACKAGING
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All items will be professionally packaged for maximum protection in shipping.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS
The only form of payment I accept from international buyers is Pay Pal. No exceptions!
International shipments will encounter longer shipping times due to distance and Customs requirements. The USPS says 6-10 business days, but it can take longer. International buyers are responsible for all customs fees, duties, import taxes or other related customs or import charges and all our out-of-pocket costs incurred in the shipment of packages internationally.
International shipment options will be via USPS First Class Mail (when the item being shipped meets the requirements of that service) or Priority Mail when it does not.
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RETURN POLICY
If for some reason you are unhappy with the item you purchased and would like to return it, please contact me within 14 days to discuss the details. Refunds will be based on the original selling price of the item only and less any fees charged by eBay. Buyers to pay all shipping costs both ways unless I substantially misrepresented the item or its condition. Items must be returned within 30 days of you receiving it and in the same condition as originally shipped.