This 19th-century silver box would have been carried around by a well-to-do lady as a way of escaping everyday smells! These tiny boxes would be filled with a little sponge, perfumed with perfume that was known as 'l'eau du rheine' or queenswater. In Dutch, this French term was muddled into the phonetic 'loderein' so they are also known as 'loderein boxes'.
This particular octagonal example is decorated with engraved scroll-work patterns on each side and on the lid. The inside is mysteriously engraved with the number 'XIIII'.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 36 x 37 x 30 mm.
Weight: 21.75 grams
Age: Hallmarked 'V' for 1855.
Material: Hallmarked with a Dutch hallmark for 835/1000 silver.
Condition: In good antique condition with signs of wear, including little dents and scuffs, consistent with age. These can be seen in the pictures.
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