Two niello silver matchboxes, France and Austria, 19th century

a) rectangular in shape with double top opening, entirely niello-worked with geometric motifs; hallmarked with the Austro-Hungarian mark for silver fineness of 900/1000 in use from 1886 to 1822.
Height x width x depth: 1.2 x 6.4 x 2.7 cm, weight 23 g;
b) rectangular in shape with hinged lid, entirely niello-worked with geometric motifs; hallmarked with the French hallmarks in use after 1838 for a minum silver fineness of 800/1000.
Height x width x depth: 4.3 x 3.1 x 1.2 cm, weight 24 g;

Item condition grading: **** good, signs of use commensurate with use over time, including surface scratches.