✅ SOLVED UNUSUAL VICTORIAN BOX

[mojjax]

UNUSUAL VICTORIAN BOX-JEWEL CASKET

Any ideas what this called or what it's used for . It's 11 inches tall , 6 1/2 inches wide .
when you push the top handle thing the lid opens up , when you pull it , it closes . There is a satin cloth liner inside .
the bottom is marked WILCOX SILVER PLATE Co . PATENTED OCT 16 1877

I got it at a barn sale this morning

 

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[mojjax]

Here is the bottom

 

[stefen]

Maybe a jewelry box....

 

[taz42o]

The patent says its for plated table ware and shows similar type of holder with a pickle jar.
Could the lining have been added later to change its use?

Patent US196180 - IMPROVEMENT IN COVERED ARTICLES OF PLATED WARE - Google Patents

 

[Mackaydon]

Some history:
Wilcox Silverplate Co. merged with several other silverplating companies in 1898 to form the International Silverplate Co. which, today, is owned by Syratech Corp of Mass.
Also, the mark shows QUADRUPLE PLATE, meaning 4X as much silver was used compared to "Standard" silver plating. It does not mean, however, the item was plated four times nor does the item have 4X as much pure silver.
Don....

 

[mojjax]

Thanks for the responses !

Should I clean this thing with silver polish ? Or would that take away from the value ?

 

[Breezie]

Thanks for the responses !

Should I clean this thing with silver polish ? Or would that take away from the value ?

Mojjax, I agree with the responses. Judging by the newness of the satin lining, I would say someone converted this service piece to a jewelry box. Yes, I would clean it with silver polish; I use Wright's, which is a really good inexpensive polish that does not harm the silver. If it were mine, I'd convert it back to original by removing the satin lining and use it as a serving piece. It's a really neat thrift shop find! Breezie

 

[mojjax]

Thanks Breezie ! When it get's polished I'll post the " after pic "

 

[diggummup]

Nice piece, I like it. You'll have fun cleaning it... LOL

 

[taz42o]

These pieces were made between 1877 and 1900 in America. These had different types of mechanical gadgets for opening the cover. Many of which were patented. They took the form of chains, gears, rods, and handles which, when pulled or pushed, automatically opened the cover or drawer.

These items were called "Jewel Caskets". After 1900, the boxes got much simpler and were just called jewelry boxes.

WILCOX SILVERPLATE JEWEL CASKET : Lot 461

 

[diggummup]

I didn't give this a second thought until taz showed the jewelry box. I have to agree with taz. Although the patent date example is listed as a pickle jar, it does say etc. after it, and the jewel casket is very similar in design and form. If you look at the picture on the patent link you will notice that the center portion is actually a glass container for pickles. Do a search for silverplate pickle and you'll see what I mean. Jewel Casket has a much better ring to it than Pickle jar does also.
FYI- The one that taz linked to on liveauctioneers sold for $125. Ones as ornate as yours have sold for more than $300. With yours having that risque figural maiden reclining on it, I would say it should easily get that much. I wouldn't take a penny less, that's for sure. Here's one that sold for $425 on Rubylane, still not as ornate as yours. Antique Silver Plate Mechanical Jewelry Box Casket from aplaceofdistinction on Ruby Lane

 

[mojjax]

UpDate

I haven't polished the jewel casket yet , but I did do an experiment with a Wilcox Quadroplated pitcher I have , that was heavily tarnished .

Boiling water + aluminum foil + baking soda - in a 5 gallon bucket + item that needs to be cleaned
the bigger the item the more baking soda + aluminum you need .

I found the technique online . You tube has it too .

It got about 85% to 90% of the tarnish off .

 

[mojjax]

After pics -