This exceptional antique Austro-Hungarian silver spice box has been modelled in the form of a tower.
The cuboid shaped spice box is ornamented with exceptional silver filigree work within a plain arched frame.
This impressive vessel is fitted with a hinged door embellished with contemporary engraved initials.
The upper portion of this impressive antique silver spice tower* is embellished with four articulating flag designs encompassing a tapering panelled chute.
The tower's chute is ornamented with further filigree and rope twist decoration and terminating with a scalloped knop to an undulating guidon shaped flag.
The spice compartment surmounts a plain wirework style pedestal, accented with a further scalloped knop.
The square shaped foot is ornamented with filgree decoration and supported by four plain semi-spherical feet.
The hallmarks struck to the surface of this Austro-Hungarian silver spice tower include:
Maker's mark: EE (untraced)
Silver quality/purity mark: Dianakopf mark (.800, 800/1000)
Assay mark: A6 (Brno/Brünn - Czech Republic)
* A spice box is used to hold sweet-smelling herbs/spices and can be fashioned in many forms. As of the 16th century a very common form is that of a tower, influenced by developments in architecture. The spice tower is used to bring comfort to a Jew as they transition through Sabbath to their new week, receiving their extra soul known as a 'neshama yetera'
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