Antique French / Viennese Kiln-fired Enamel Coin Purse, Blue & Flowers

Description: A charming little kiln-fired enamel coin purse dating to the Napoleon III era (Victorian) c. 1850-70, and either French or Vienna enamel, as both were producing similar beautiful little enamel items during that time. This process, is one only accomplished with the skill of years and years of practice. The enamel powders are various shades of muddy mauve, taupe, blues, not the least resembling the color they will become once the kiln melts them into the glassine or porcelain like finished product you see here. So an artist is layering on stroke after stroke, working quite literally blind as far as the colors and spacing of the finished outcome he/she hopes to achieve. It is the memory that guides the hand in this art. And subject to such whims of nature and memory, it's always amazing to me that they come out with anything but a glob. The nature of the process is part of the reason why these old kiln-fired objects have such a following and bring the prices they continue to bring. Lovely silver and gold foil-baked enamel detail with a superb rose floral bouquet there in the cartouche on front. In excellent condition for age and type, this one is enameled on both front and back panels, a flawless example, with perhaps the smallest flea bite nibble to the panel edge, a rare form in that we almost never see this type of work done on a coin purse. Perhaps they've all been lost to damage over time. The interior and the leather sides (which are pleated to expand in width as the little purse is filled) are both in good to excellent condition as well, for age and type. Internally the frame is leather lined and there are three coin compartments. Original red silk lining and a good working condition clasp. Wear to the leather at the corners & around the clasp top fastener, as shown in photos. Measurements approximately: Height: 6.5cm (2.1/2”) Width: 7.5cm (3”) Depth: 1.54cm (5/8”) without contents (as you see it). Does expand a bit. I have given it a quick wipe over, but as with all my items I don't over clean or polish. There may be the odd age related wear/mark commensurate with age, anything of note is listed above. Please see all photos using the zoom function available, as they constitute the item description. Please note where possible packaging is recycled. I only ship internationally via eBay’s GSP service, as the U.K. does not provide a fully tracked service. Check out my other listings for more antique, vintage and collectable accessories. If you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact me.

Price: 399 GBP

Location: Chester, Cheshire

End Time: 2024-12-09T17:34:00.000Z

Shipping Cost: 54.7 GBP