4140 - 917 silver, Indian coin box made from historic rupee coins from 1879 and 1919, screw-top

917 silver, Indian coin box made from historic rupee coins from 1879 and 1919, screw-top An exceptional, artfully crafted silver box made from historic Indian rupee coins from the British colonial era, crafted in 917 silver. The cylindrical box consists of several knurled coin segments stacked on top of one another and features a screw-on lid with a screw thread. The upper rim features the crowned portrait of King George V with the inscription “GEORGE V KING EMPEROR.” The inside of the lid bears the original coin inscription “ONE RUPEE INDIA 1919,” surrounded by elaborate floral ornaments. The bottom of the box features another historical rupee coin with the year 1879 and richly decorated floral motifs. Inside the body of the box, a coin featuring a portrait of a ruler is also visible. The unusual transformation of historical silver coins into a decorative everyday object makes this box an interesting example of Indian numismatic art and artisanal silverwork. • Origin: India, British colonial period\ • Date: Manufactured no earlier than 1919, presumably in the first half of the 20th century\ • Material: Silver 917/1000\ • Coin impressions: One Rupee India 1879 and 1919\ • Depiction of the ruler: King George V, King Emperor\ • Design: Cylindrical coin box with knurled sides and a screw-on lid\ • Special feature: Use of historic Indian silver rupees with their original coin motifs preserved Weight: approx. 47.5 g