1852 Sterling Silver Victorian Card Case Hilliard & Thomason Birmingham England
Description: A Beautiful antique 1852 Sterling Silver Card Case from Birmingham, England. The card case has a great looking hand chased floral decoration surrounded by honey comb design throughout the front and back. The box or case is fully hallmarked on the lip on the inside with the initials H&T for Hilliard and Thomason, Lion Passant for Sterling Silver, Queen's Head facing left for Tax Payment, the letter "D" for the year 1852-3, and an anchor for Birmingham. The piece is monogrammed GH in beautiful calligraphy within a cartouche on one side. All four sides of the card case are plain and clean. The thin case has a hinged lid that has the same design as the body of the case which flows from the case into it with no interruption. A wonderful piece of Victorian Sterling Silver made in the shops of one of the premier silversmiths of the mid nineteenth century in Birmingham England. A great antique that very seldom comes by in such a great condition. Look at the details of the design and how every inch has details to be discovered and appreciated. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: 1852.
Origin: Birmingham Englland. Was purchased from an estate sale in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Size: Measures ~2 3/4" by ~3 3/4" and is ~1/4" deep. The piece weighs about 56 grams or about 1.8 troy ounces.
Maker: Hilliard & Thomason.
Marks: Fully hallmarked on the lip on the inside edge, where the lid closes, with the initials H&T for Hilliard and Thomason, Lion Passant for Sterling Silver, Queen's Head facing left for Tax Payment, the letter "D" for the year 1852-3, and an anchor for Birmingham.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A beautiful rare antique made by a team of the most famous silversmith of Birmingham England in the 19th century. It would make a great addition to any collection.
Condition: The card case is in excellent condition with no dings, breaks, or repairs. The design is fresh and beautiful. The hinge works well and the lid fits the way it should. The piece is monogrammed with the letters GH. You can tell it was cherished by its previous owners over the years and was kept in great condition. The piece could probably use a good cleaning to bring out its full beauty. But we leave that to the discretion of the new owner. We like the way it looks with the light patina, but you decide once you own it. Be that as it may this is a great antique which very seldom comes by in such a good shape. Please see photos for additional condition information.
