Rare Antique Silver Thread Box, c.1675

This is a very rare example of a 17th century silver thread box.

The circular box has a lift-off cover that is rivetted with a revolving central section in the form of a Tudor rose that can open or close an aperture through which a thread can be pulled. These small antique boxes were generally made between 1650 and 1700 and this example is likely to be date from the middle of that period. It is marked in typical fashion with a single maker's mark "AL" to the underside.

Considering its great age of about 350 years, this is a very rare survivor that remains in good order.