Asian Silver Case

Let me start by stating this is a fascination piece, one i would personally hold onto. 

Here's my assessment:

1) The mark on the bottom back is part of  Hallmark that states it is sterling silver. It means "Jungin" (Japensese for "Pure Silver"). This was the Hallmark used during the Meiji Period which lasted from 1868 to 1912, and a few years afterwards. However, at least since 1928 the hallmark was discontineud due to nationwide ordinances requiring silver manufacturers to add the decimal standard mark so the hall mark became "Silver 950." This piece is between 85 (assuming it was made in 19280 chances are it was early 1900) and 145 years old (assuming it was first out in 1868). Based on the condition, and the newer features I believe it is early 20th century aprx. 1900-1920.

2) As far as the case, I believe there's a slim chance the inlay is ceramic, for silver cases and that period crafts people would have used an ivory, early plastic, or bone inlay. However, without feeling and looking closely at the item I could not authenticate which one. Here's what I do. If you have a UV light, turn off the lights in a room and hol dthe light to the inlay.The UV light will make natuarl (like Ivory and bone) a lighter color and then synthetic materials (plastics) darker. The simple (non-reccomended test) is to heat up the end of a needle and press it to the white material. If the material burns easily and gives off the smell of burnt plastic it may be a synthetic material. If it leaves a small black mark, and gives the smell of burning hair chances are it's ivory or bone. Ivory is a banned material so any Ivory obtained before the ban in the 1980s is fair game, and it limited in supply so Ivory materials make things more valuable.

3) Based upon the anitquity, the silver content I would assess a rouugh value of this item going from 250-350.00. If it is included with an ivory inlay I would see this item going for 650 or more in an auction setting. 

Closing notes: If you authenticate it or if anyone has anymore information that updates mind, I would love to hear it. This is a nice piece, and would be interested in updates on it. 

Sincerely,

James Tyler Boyd

TheSphynxsMeow.Com