Antique Silver Spice Box Besamim Judaica - .875 Silver, Family Heirloom

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Antique Silver Spice Box Besamim Judaica - .875 Silver, Family Heirloom Here is a very nice antique Judaica piece - a Besamim or Spice Box and it has been in the family for at least 90 years so it is authentic. Carried over from Europe many decades ago by my wife's grandparents and used in the family for many years. Shows signs of appropriate wear. It's marked in the Russian scheme with "84" indicating 84/96ths of a zolotnik, the old Russian standard where 96 zolotniki equaled one Russian troy pound. Converting the marks to sterling values, the silver purity is (as marked) 84/96 or 875/1000 = .875 silver. 84 zolotniki became the new Russian minimum silver standard in 1798 and was used into the early 20th century. (Source ). The city hallmark looks like the one for Warsaw although I am not sure. It's the closest match I could find on an item that small. I could not find the maker's mark reference - it is XE with the E backwards so we are not sure of the maker or designer. There is another mark that resembles a sideways pitchfork (my description) and I could not find a reference to that mark. I do not see an assay mark. Given the 84 zolotniki stamp and the (apparently) Warsaw city hallmark, we feel it is probably from Warsaw in the late 1800's or early 1900's as part of the then Russian Empire. This is our estimate or guess, not a statement of fact. If you recognize any of these marks and can elaborate please message us.Condition is as shown - with varying levels of tarnish on the silver. Did not want to clean it, will leave that to the discretion of the new owner . Test cleaned a very small spot on the inside of the base section and it cleaned right up. Two of the feet have slight or minute tears in the silver; it is used! See photo with blue background. Two of the hanging bells are gone. There was probably a finial at the top of the flag which is also gone. I don't think it has ever been repaired but I can't really tell. There are four very interesting eagle figures on the tower and overall it's a very compelling piece. There is even some spice remaining in the cavity. Measures just about 10.5" high. Weighs about 7 ounces.Please ask any questions prior to bidding/buying. This is being sold as is since it is very old so please study the photos and satisfy yourself before bidding if you have any doubts. FREE SHIPPING TO U.S. Destinations.SHIPPING & TERMS: Ships by USPS Priority Mail to U.S. Destinations ONLY. I cannot accept bids/offers from someone unless there is a U.S. mailing address. Payment by PayPal immediately following sale is appreciated but within 72 hours at the latest please. Ebay is set to auto-remind for non-payment after 4 days. I generally ship within one postal day of receiving cleared payment so the quicker you pay, the faster you get. ASK ANY QUESTIONS before bidding/buying. Description is to the best of our knowledge as to the markings and source. We guarantee it has been in our family for at least 90 years. See FEEDBACK comments below. By bidding/buying you acknowledge these terms. FEEDBACK: If you are unhappy with the transaction for some reason, contact me before leaving feedback to give me the opportunity to correct the situation. Once you leave anything less than positive feedback or if you leave damaging comments within a positive feedback, there is little I can do to remedy the situation. Each transaction is a two way street and I appreciate the chance to provide 5-star service. read more

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