A late 19th century German unmarked silver and guilloche enamel pill box / compact, probably Pforzheim circa 1899

A late 19th century German unmarked silver and guilloche enamel pill box / compact, probably Pforzheim circa 1899

Of rounded circular form with a hinged domed lid raised by a simple thumbpiece. The lid with engine turned decoration toped with translucent white enamel, painted with three sprigs on mistletoe. The underside engraved with a presentation inscription reading “To Mother from her children, Glenbuck, 26^th Oct 1899”. The gilt interior with a mirror.

Diameter – 4.4 cm / 1.75 inches

Weight – 41 grams / 1.32 ozt

The inscription probably refers to the family of Charles Howatson 1832-1918, a mine owner who built Glenbuck House, Ayrshire, Scotland in 1879, he was survived by his widow and three children.