French or Austrian gold snuff box of rectangular form, the hinged engine turned covers beautifully engraved with floral motifs around the sides, the edges applied with bands of garlands and floral border, marked 585 (14 K), inscribed "S. Medlinger Wien I Graben 16"
The Viennese building at Graven 16, known as the “Bread House” from its history as an urban bread house in the 14th century. It became a well-known living and dining house which served and entertained the finest society in Vienna as well as prominent guests from abroad. The house was demolished in 1910. Our box is inscribed presumably for its owner “S. Medlinger”, “Wien” for Vienna, and the address for the prominent house “Graben 16”.
Size: 2 h x 3 ¼ w x ½ d in
R19193