Burnell and Rowe

Description

Here we have a charming Danish Silver Hovedvandsaeg or Marriage Box in the shape of a crowned heart from the second half of the 18th century. These little boxes were traditionally given by a man to his fiancee or bride as an engagement or wedding gift. In origin they contained a sponge soaked in a perfume to revive the senses (hovedvandsaeg means head water egg in Danish) but they evolved to be used as spice boxes.

The late 18th century ones, such as this one, are usually heart shaped with pinprick decoration but in the 19th century they began to be produced in a variety of different designs.

As is almost always the case, the couples initials are pricked out on one side of the hovedvandsaeg, in this instance J Y and D H. Most of these little boxes are unmarked but in this case we do have a makers' mark of N A repeated four times on the base. Unfortunately we haven't been able to identify this maker.

Condition is very good for its age with just a few little dings on the shoulders. The hinge and clasp are in good working order. There is some slight wear to the gilding on the inside of the lid. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The hovedvandsaeg stands 7.5cm / 2.9ins high and is 4.3cm / 1.7ins wide. It weighs in at a respectable 20.1g / 0.71oz of solid silver.

Shipping in the UK is £11 by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes cover for the value of the marriage box.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.