Pino Silvestre Fragrance Box with Gilt-Ink Typography
Fragrance Packaging (Non-Jewelry) · Metallic Pigment Ink (Simulated Gold). Likely a blend of copper and zinc powders (brass) or synthetic mica to achieve a metallic yellow sheen.
Purity: 0K - Non-precious metallic ink. This item does not contain solid gold, gold leaf, or gold plating; it utilizes a metallic pigment known as 'gold-tone' or 'gilt' ink.
Type
Fragrance Packaging (Non-Jewelry)
Purity
0K - Non-precious metallic ink. This item does not contain solid gold, gold leaf, or gold plating; it utilizes a metallic pigment known as 'gold-tone' or 'gilt' ink.
Gold Type
Metallic Pigment Ink (Simulated Gold). Likely a blend of copper and zinc powders (brass) or synthetic mica to achieve a metallic yellow sheen.
Weight
N/A - The item is paperboard packaging. Total weight including cardboard is likely 20-40 grams.
Description
A vintage fragrance box for the iconic Italian cologne Pino Silvestre. The design features a dark green forest-themed background with a stylized three-toned green pine tree logo. The brand name is printed in a signature sans-serif typeface utilizing a metallic gold-tone ink that provides a contrast against the dark green packaging.
Key Features
Stylized pyramidal pine tree logo; metallic gold-tone block lettering; high-contrast dark forest green color palette.
Color & Finish
Matte green background with a metallic bronzed-gold luster ink. The finish is a printed sheen rather than a precious metal polish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None. There are no precious metal hallmarks or fineness stamps (e.g., 750 or 585) because the item is not composed of gold.
Dimensions Estimate
Standard 125ml or 75ml fragrance box dimensions; approximately 15cm H x 6cm W x 5cm D.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The design is comprised of printed graphic elements on cardboard.
Clasp & Closure
Cardboard tuck-flap box closure.
Chain & Links
N/A - No chain or physical links present.
Craftsmanship Details
Offset lithographic printing on light-weight cardstock. The application of metallic ink is uniform, representing standard industrial packaging quality of the era.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic commercial packaging. The printing quality, specific brand typeface, and cardboard texture are consistent with mass-produced fragrance packaging from the period.
Origin & Maker
Italy; Pino Silvestre (Mavive S.p.A.). Pino Silvestre is a famous Italian fragrance house established in 1955.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century / Vintage Contemporary. The graphic design aesthetic reflects the bold geometric layouts popular in fragrance branding from the 1970s through the 1990s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s-1990s based on the condition of the cardboard and the specific font weight of the 'Pino Silvestre' logo.
Cultural Significance
Pino Silvestre represents a milestone in Italian men's grooming, becoming a staple scent in European households during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible wear on the edges (corner bumping), creasing on the face of the box, and slight delamination of the top flap. The gold ink remains legible but shows minor scuffing.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD. The value is strictly in its status as a vintage collectible for fragrance enthusiasts; it has zero melt or precious metal value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight to prevent the green pigment from fading and the cardboard from warping. Handle with clean hands to avoid transferring oils to the metallic ink surfaces.
Similar Items
Aqua di Selva by Victor, vintage Paco Rabanne Pour Homme packaging, or other 20th-century 'fougère' style fragrance boxes.
Interesting Facts
Pino Silvestre is famous for its 'Pigna' (pine cone) shaped glass bottle. While the gold ink on the box adds a sense of luxury, the fragrance itself was intended to be an accessible, refreshing scent invoking the pine forests of the Italian Alps.