c1770 Scandinavian silver Hovedvandsaeg heart shaped spice or smelling salts box.

Originating in Norway or Denmark this Hovedvandsaeg would have been given to a lady by her suitor as a love token or to express his intention to marry and used as a vinaigrette, spice or smelling salts box.

The silver box is fully hallmarked on the gilt strip just under the lid which has the date letter M for 1770.

This is a lovely example with engraved line and zig zag decoration and a gilt crown finial. There are also very faint dot engraved initials on the front which look like BG and FD. The gilt on the finial has some wear and the inner gilt rim has some minor dents and wear. There is also a hole in the middle of the hallmarked strip which is the catch for the lid rather than damage.

The silver is scratched and scuffed with a few little dents but this piece is over 200 years old so it’s to be expected.

The lid does close but, as shown in the pictures, doesn’t sit flush when laying flat. The hinge is in good working order and the lid opens and closes freely.

This spice box would make a great addition to any antique silver, Hovedvandsaeg, scent or vinaigrette collection.

Approx measurements 

Height 7cm

Width 4cm

Depth 2cm

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