FROM MADEIRA WITH LOVE...!

Recent estate find......found in the liquidation of a prestigious Portuguese estate.

Vintage hinged lid pewter box that has an engraved decoration consisting of an antique nautical chart emblem along with the name and date, "Sebastiao Lopes, 1558"

Research revealed Sebastiao Lopes was one of the very few 16th Century Portuguese nautical chart makers, known as Cartogaphers, to be identified.

The date relates to his possible death while in his late 20s, early 30s in the year 1558.

The box is signed by the maker, Silva, made in Portugal.

This particular box is highly polished and has the look of silver.

On the inside of the lid is another engraved symbol, that of a Portuguese Nutritional Supplement maker "Kiluna", indicating this could have been a gift for salesman or preferred customers. 

The box has a domed lid and measures 4 1/2 inches long, 3 1/2 inches wide, 1 inch deep in the center.

It stands on four feet, is weighty in the hand and has the feeling of good quality.

I have inserted a standard size playing card in one photo as a reference for size.

From years of use, found on a desk, it has acquired some abrasions commensurate with age, however,  not to a fault.

My photos do not clearly communicate the finish...... in person, it has a highly polished look.

  

MUCH OBLIGED