+Karl Rössler 1890 Austrian Vesta Tinder Box In .800 Silver And 18Kt Gold With Niello

Austro-Hungarian empire mechanical vesta tinder case made by Karl Rössler

Beautiful antique fusee vesta tinder case, created in Vienna Austria around the 1890. It was crafted at the workshop of Karl Rössler, during the Austro-Hungarian empire period in solid .800/.999 silver standard. Decorated with ivy leaves and scrolls made up with the Niello technique and parts accented in 18 karats yellow gold. It is fitted with a seven barrels hinged pressure lid door for the matches storage, a sliding compartment to slide out the wick and a rotating screw for the wick. Very interesting rare piece in exceptional shape and surely will be a great conversation piece.

Weight: 45.98 Grams, (29.47 Dwt).

Measurements: 61 mm by 36 mm by 13 mm (2.41 x 1.42 x 0.51 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with Austrian-Hungarian Empire marks; twice with the A for the city of Vienna, the maker's mark KR associated to Karl Rössler, the mark for small objects (1867-1922) of Diana facing to the right inside an hexagonal cartouche with the number 3 and the letter A for the Viennese assay of the .800/.999 silver.

Karl Rössler

The silversmith Karl Rössler entered into business in Vienna in 1890 and is recorded at various addresses until 1908. Following the example of Hermann Ratzersdorfer, whose enamel and mounted crystal objects had attracted much attention at the 1873 Vienna World Exhibition.

Niello

Niello is a black mixture, usually of copper and silver, used as an inlay on engraved or  silver. It is added as a powder or paste, then fired until it melts or at least softens, and flows or is pushed into the engraved lines in the metal. It hardens and blackens when cool, and the Niello on the flat surface is polished off to show the filled lines in black, contrasting with the polished silver. It may also be used with other metalworking techniques to cover larger areas. The metal where Niello is to be placed is often roughened to provide a key. In many cases, especially in objects that have been buried underground, where the Niello is now lost, the roughened surface indicates that it was once there.

Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.

Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. All parts are secured in the settings. This vesta case has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D082823SMTG/1.178