Late 19th Century Cologne Cathedral Box

Details

Description

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) souvenir box appears to be an antique, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th … Read more Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) souvenir box appears to be an antique, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century (1880s–1930s).

Cologne Cathedral is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks, completed in 1880 after centuries of construction.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, souvenir items featuring landmarks became very popular, especially in Germany, France, and the UK.

These types of miniature architectural boxes were commonly made to commemorate famous cathedrals and buildings.

THis box is made of spelter (a zinc-based alloy) or cast iron, which was often used for souvenir pieces at that time.
It has a dark patina, likely from oxidation over time, which is common in older metal objects.
The hinged compartment suggests it may have been used as a trinket box, cigarette holder, or match holder.
The detailed Gothic-style engravings match the real Cologne Cathedral, showing that it was made with great craftsmanship.

If it is spelter or cast iron with a darkened patina, it is likely from the late 1800s to early 1900s (1880s–1920s).
Some versions from the 1920s–1930s were still being produced but often with different metals and finishes. See less