Antique WMF Brass Powder Jar Lids Pair Victoria 1880s Rococo Matching Set
The lids have a graceful rococo design, featuring repousse floral motifs, which exemplify the intricate detailing typical of the period. Initially electroplated with nickel, the plating has worn away over time, revealing the brass beneath, while traces of the original silvery nickel plating are still visible on the underside. This wear adds a touch of antique charm to the lids, enhancing their vintage appeal.
Note: these are lids for a powder jar only, there is no powder jar. Each lid measures 3.25 inches in diameter and is nearly 0.25 inches thick, making them a substantial and elegant addition to any vanity set.
The brass construction gives them a robust feel, while the repousse floral pattern brings a delicate, ornamental quality to their appearance. The lids are stamped with the "i/o" and "as" marks, which identify the use of alpacca silber, a nickel-silver alloy often used by wmf. "Alpacca" (also known as "nickel silver") is a white metal alloy made from copper, zinc, and nickel. Despite its name, it does not contain silver, but it closely resembles sterling silver and can achieve a high polish. The "i/o" fraction indicates the normal thickness of silver or nickel-plating, while the "as" mark refers to the antique silver finish, intentionally darkened to mimic the tarnish that occurs naturally on silver over time. The "i/o" and "as" marks were used by wmf between 1880 and 1903 on cutlery and hollowware. Though the marks are small and slightly worn from use, they are still visible upon close inspection. Wmf was founded in 1853 and became renowned for its high-quality metal goods, including tableware, vanity items, and decorative pieces. Aside from the typical wear to the nickel finish, the lids are in excellent condition, with no structural issues.The worn nickel plating only adds to their antique character, making them even more desirable for collectors of victorian or wmf pieces. These lids would complement any collection of period vanity accessories or serve as unique decorative accents.
Additionally, matching items from this set, including perfume bottles, a crystal box, and a soap box/trinket dish, are available in separate listings. One of the perfume bottle caps in the set bears the distinctive "antler" mark, which may indicate a special celebratory marking, but this is only found on one piece of the set. Nonetheless, all pieces were likely crafted at the same time, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of wmf. This item is made of nickel silver and brass.