Napoleon Linder 1890 Paris Hinged Vesta Matches Box Niello .900 Silver

Vesta matches box designed by Napoleon Linder. Very rare hinged box, created in Paris France at the silversmith atelier of Napoleon Linder. This is a vesta matches box crafted in solid .900/.999 silver and embellished with a beautiful patterns made up in the difficult technique of Niello. Fitted with a hinged lid with a tension equipment. Weight: 15.45 Grams, (9.91 Dwt). Measurements: 50 mm by 25 mm by 11 mm (1.97 x 0.98 x 0.43 Inches). Hallmarks Stamped with French marks; the maker's mark NL associated to Napoleon Linder and two times with the mark for the assay and warranty of the silver. Note: The mark of the Parisian silversmith Napoleon Linder was in use between the 2979 and 1919. Composed by a hat to the French with NL. Note: Niello is a black mixture, usually of copper and silver, used as an inlay on engraved or silver. It is added as a powder or paste, then fired until it melts or at least softens, and flows or is pushed into the engraved lines in the metal. It hardens and blackens when cool, and the niello on the flat surface is polished off to show the filled lines in black, contrasting with the polished silver. It may also be used with other metalworking techniques to cover larger areas. The metal where niello is to be placed is often roughened to provide a key. In many cases, especially in objects that have been buried underground, where the niello is now lost, the roughened surface indicates that it was once there. Condition: The overall con