Box 1795 - 1805

This silver box was created by Johann Christian Sick, likely at the end of the 18th or beginning of the 19th century. Boxes such as this one would have been made by highly skilled silversmiths, who were trained through years of apprenticeship. Silver is a soft material that is easy to work, but it requires careful planning and execution to create a finished piece of this quality. The maker would have likely used a variety of techniques, including hammering, soldering, and engraving. Close inspection reveals how the different parts of this vessel were joined, as well as the ornamentation of the box's edges. The box's value lies not only in the preciousness of the material, but also in the time and labor required to produce it. Such an object represents a significant investment, reflecting the owner's wealth and status. As such, it beautifully illustrates the interrelation of material, labor, and social class.