German Silver Spice Tower - Antique Circa 1890

Description

This exceptional antique German silver spice box has been modelled in the form of a tower.

The tiered cylindrical spice box is ornamented with exceptional silver filigree work within a plain geometric frame.

This impressive example of antique silverware is fitted with a hinged door accented with a plain loop fingerpiece with a plain lozenge shaped terminal.

The upper portion of this impressive silver spice tower* is embellished with a knopped tapering chute, encompassed with bands of tooled decoration and terminating with a large undulating guidon flag design.

The spice compartment surmounts a cylindrical tapering pedestal, reflecting the same ornamentation to the chute, to a circular spreading base.

The hallmarks to the foot of this German silver spice tower include:

National mark: Crescent moon and crown

Silver quality/purity mark: 800 (800/1000)

Maker's mark: H. Meyen & Co

* 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'

Learn more about vintage silver filigree boxes