![Amulet case. Italy, [18th century].
Silver, cast, repoussé and engraved (unmarked).
Two-sided amulet case, dec](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale107/4_1.jpg "Silver Amulet Case – Italy, 18th Century")
![Amulet case. Italy, [18th century].
Silver, cast, repoussé and engraved (unmarked).
Two-sided amulet case, dec](https://files.kedem-auctions.com/files/Sale107/4_2.jpg "Silver Amulet Case – Italy, 18th Century")
Auction 107: Rare and Important Items
Silver Amulet Case – Italy, 18th Century
Opening: $2,000
Estimate: $6,000 - $8,000
Sold for: $2,500
Including buyer's premium
Amulet case. Italy, [18th century].
Silver, cast, repoussé and engraved (unmarked).
Two-sided amulet case, decorated with rocailles and leaves in rococo style. Upper edge with domed canopy with a trefoil suspension loop. On both sides, a heart-shaped cartouche bearing the Holy Name "Shaddai" in the center, next to various decorations: the Tablets of the Law (engraved with the Ten Commandments and two Stars of David) and a seven-branched menorah on one side; with a priestly turban and incense pan on the other. On the bottom side of the case is an opening within which to place the amulet, covered with a removable lid fastened by a screw and nut.
Cases of this sort were used for keeping amulets, which were folded up and housed in the inner cavity. Some amulets were prepared for a specific individual; some were intended for a specific purpose. Such amulets would typically be exchanged when the case changed hands. Over time, the cases themselves began to serve as amulets.
Height: 11.5 cm. Width: 7.5 cm. Weight: 80.4 g. Fair condition. Warping, fractures and defects. Slight corrosion. Old soldering repairs. Grape cluster decoration lacking from bottom. Case flattened, consequently losing some of its capacity.
Silver Bindings and Personal Items
Silver Bindings and Personal Items