Yesterday's Trinkets

Most antiques you find for sale online are probably not what the seller claims. I knew this when I spotted this "Antique French" trinket box on eBay; I've seen another one in better shape for sale on Etsy (which the seller claims is one of a kind, no less.)

I can tell you that this is indeed an antique, but not as old as you may assume. It was likely mass produced in China or India, not handmade in France. From the slightly sloppy soldering work I'm going to guess China.

Another tipoff is the two gold ribbon roses on the top of the box, which are the mass-produced variety. True antique French ribbon roses are loosely woven to better resemble the real flower, and often have metallic golden centers surrounded by lighter tulle or organza layers.

Trinkets were probably never kept in this box; I unearthed two rusty straight pins from the interior. It was likely where a lady from the 40's or 50's kept her sewing notions. How do I know all this when I'm obviously not an antique expert?

My grandmother actually kept hers in a box just like this one, which vanished after she passed away. My mother gave away a lot of her things that were precious to me. Anyway, that's the real reason I bought this one -- not to invest in a questionable antique, but to remember her.

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Wishing

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