Etruscan Brass Box - Revival Period
This has been identified as a Brass Etruscan Revival Period Box from Northern Italy with patina indicating age and oxidation. The lid depicts a dramatic scene of a chariot pulled by lions with figures (possibly mythological/divine) accompanied by other figures playing instruments. The underside of the lid is inscribed with the word ETRUSCAN. All four sides of the box are adorned with Griffin motifs bordered by geometric "star crosses" a common border decoration for the period. The bottom of the box features a unrefined "divot" on one end with a wire and two wire rings indicative of an attachment cistae type mechanism dating to the period. Tag indicates sold at a New York estate sale
7 5/8"L x 5 1/4"W x 2"D
Dealer or Gallery
Yes
Hi Frederick,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The inscription "Etruscan" likely refers to the pattern rather than origin and there were several makers - Jennings Brothers Manufacturing Co, Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Co and Weidlich Brothers Manufacturing Company, among others - that made decorative boxes, desk items and other small objects such as this with that pattern. These companies were responding to the revival of historical aesthetics that included Egyptian, Pompeiian and Greco-Roman influences.
If this were made in Italy, the wording would have been in Italian: "Etrusco".
If you paid just $55 for this, you got a bargain, as similar boxes have been selling at auction for between $150 and $250.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique Etruscan Revival bas-relief cast brass box
unattributed maker, American or English, in the Etruscan pattern, late 19th or early 20th Century
With lift-off lid, the top and sides with bas-relief scenes from Classical mythology, the underside fitted with a screw plug
Height: 2 inches; width: 7-5/8 inches; depth: 5-1/4 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition.
PROVENANCE: Acquired at an estate sale
$ 150-250*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
