Antique Dutch Silver Marriage Box

Object Description

A 17th century silver gilt casket of traditional rectangular form. The domed top with swing handle is hand engraved with a bridal couple surrounded by birds and foliage. The body, standing on four ball feet, has a front locking catch in the form of a flower, and is hand engraved with old testament scenes. Initials to the front of the lid. Weight 162 grams, 5.2 troy ounces. Height 7.7cm. Length 8.5cm. Depth 5cm. Stamped underneath twice with a maker’s mark (anvil?) unidentified. Circa 1680.

Object Literature

A knottekistje or wedding casket is a small Frisian money casket usually made of silver. Traditionally, a man’s promise of marriage to his future bride was formal when he presented her with a coin knotted into a costly cloth (knottedoek). This later became a textile bag and then in the seventeenth century a silver casket (knottekistje). The boxes are usually rectangular with a semicircular lid and stand on ball feet although they also occur in the form of round or hexagonal boxes.They are often delicately engraved with symbolic scenes about love and marriage, sometimes accompanied by a proverb or motto.

Friesland is a province of the Netherlands located in the northern part of the country.

Object Condition

The little Dutch box is in good condition. The gilt is in good condition with a little wear. The engraving still has good definition. The locking catch is not damaged but needs a bit of attention.

Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Object Details