Vintage N.D. de la Salette mini pill box, old retro pharmacy box

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old round pill box with a vintage aesthetic, presented on a white stand. The lid features an embossed medallion depicting the religious scene of Our Lady of La Salette, with the inscription "N.D. DE LA SALETTE" in capital letters around the edge. A haloed female figure is distinguishable, standing facing two children, in a classic figurative style. The entire decoration is in slight relief, offering a sense of depth and a marked visual texture.

The box has a metallic finish with golden reflections on the border, enhancing the retro look of the object. The contours of the lid are finely chiseled, with a circular molding highlighting the central medallion. The surface of the medallion shows a visible patina, typical of old objects exposed to air and handling, giving character to the whole.

The closure, visible at the bottom, is a push-button type, characteristic of small pill or tablet boxes used in pharmacies or in a religious context to store small objects or relics. No manufacturer's marking is visible on the presented side. The slightly satin background of the decoration contrasts with the brighter central relief.

This type of box was commonly used as a pocket or altar accessory, combining utility and spiritual dimension. The religious iconography, associated with Our Lady of La Salette, gives this piece a strong devotional character, while remaining a utilitarian object of daily life from that era.

The box shown in the photo only reveals its upper face and edge, with no indication of the interior, bottom, or any additional markings. The object stands out for its compact size and elegant silhouette, easy to slip into a pocket or place on a piece of furniture.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Shows a patina of use and some visible traces of handling on the medallion and border. The closing mechanism appears intact on the visible side.

Did you know? The Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette, located in Isère, was erected following the Marian apparition reported in 1846 by two shepherd children. Many devotional objects, including pill boxes adorned with this scene, were produced as souvenirs of pilgrimages, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping ensured by a professional seller specializing in antique and vintage objects.

Keywords: antique pill box, retro tablet box, religious medallion, vintage pharmacy item, Our Lady of La Salette pill box, antique pocket box, vintage pill box, reliquary box, religious souvenir, golden pill box, antique pharmacy box, vintage round box