Glass and Ormolu Boxes. Price guide to antique boxes made from glass and ormolu. The term ormolu, in it’s true sense, has been used since the 18th century for the gilding technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze, and for objects finished in this way. However, in more recent times it is also used to refer to gilt metal. Many of the examples below will be of this type.
A 20th century glass and ormolu mounted box
The lid inlaid with central white metal and enamel disc, the glass box with ormolu fittings and lion-paw feet, 12cm wide, 8cm deep, 10cm high (4 1/2in wide, 3in deep, 3 1/2in high).
Sold for £ 350 inc. premium at Bonhams in 2018
AN ITALIAN ORMOLU-MOUNTED MOLDED GLASS BOX
MURANO, LATE 20TH CENTURY
With stiff leaf applied borders to the hinged cover and spiral-ribbed body
5 ½ in. (14 cm.) high, 9 in. (23 cm.) wide, 5 ½ in. (14 cm.) deep.
Sold for USD 3,750 at Christies in 2017
A VICTORIAN GLASS EGG TRINKET BOX IN ORMOLU FRAME. Blue art glass egg with enameled decoration, metal hinge and clasp, mounted in a ormolu frame in the form of a carriage or sleigh.
Measures 55 x 6.25 x 3 inches.
Sold For: $120 at Soulis Auctions in 2018
ANTIQUE FRENCH RUBY MOUNTED LADIES DRESSER BOX. Victorian, stands 3 1/2″ tall x 4″ wide. Dark ruby colored glass. This bob is mounted in a brass ormolu stand and is in excellent condition.
Sold For: $150 at Auction Gallery of Boca Raton, LLC in 2018
A LARGE MONROE GLASS NAKARA BOX WITH BERRY LADIES. A blue ground decorated opaque glass box with decorated reserve of florals and ladies in Victorian dress sitting down with berries, white enamel beaded framing, ormolu rims, signed on the base.
Measures 3.5 x 5.5 inches.
Sold For: $170 at Soulis Auctions in 2017
An ormolu mounted cut-glass box
19th century
of rectangular form, the ormolu mounts cast with flowers and foliage, on paw feet.
height 5 in.; width 10 in.; depth 5 1/4 in.
12.5 cm; 25.5 cm; 13.5 cm.
Sold for 4,800 USD at Sothebys in 2007
