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I have a challenging item. I believe this item is an etrog box base on the size, weight, form, finial, etc.. I am trying to determine the country of origin. I think it may be Polish and possibly by a maker called Malcz, but I want to hear your thoughts. Malcz normally marks his pieces. This box is not marked. Nothing for content, nothing at all. I believe it is 800 silver. The lock mechanism is missing. The most defining characteristic is the feet. To me, they're a really unusual pattern that I think of as griffin feet. The same feet are shown on three similar pieces by Malcz. I want the opinion of the forum if they think it's Malcz or someone else. Polish or somewhere else. And, anything else you might care to share. I truly appreciate anything you might say and so look forward to reading the forum!

This one is my box:



Malcz Examples:

Not marked at all

– check if silver. To believe it’s 800 silver is not enough.
Zuckerdosen (sugar boxes) of this form were popular and common in Austria –Hungary, Germany, Poland etc. during Biedermeier period and later. This particular one has elements of Empire, indicating earlier Biedermeier. Judaica is always more lucrative but without and inscription in Hebrew there is no proof it’s meant to be an etrog box. Besides, I see no distinction between an ordinary Zuckerdosen and an etrog box unless there are obvious religious Hebrew features, which, by the way cannot be seen here (the finial, etc).
In a word, if there are no marks at all, I would give up searching for the country of origin, the maker, etc. Again, make sure if it’s not silver plated and enjoy your Continental sugar box.

Thanks for your reply. I really appreciate it. It is silver. I tested it and I had that confirmed by my silversmith (Lawrence Miller & Co in Alexandria, VA). What was your opinion regarding the similarity of the feet across the boxes? To my eye, these were cast from the same mold.

Feet do not appear to have been cast in the same mold - e.g. pay attention to flattened balls. Being from the same mold means exactly the same detail in every way. But this is not very important - you have a nice Continental Biedermeier sugar box.

Good point on the feet with the flattened balls. Any other thoughts welcomed. Cheers!


Nate