Burnell and Rowe

Description

Here we have a fine late Victorian Sterling Silver Sovereign Case for full Gold Sovereigns. The case is circular with engine turned decoration to top and bottom. The cartouche on the top is engraved with an unusual design giving the appearance perhaps of a compass. There are no initials.

The sovereign case was made in Birmingham by casemaker Alfred Wigley, a part of Dennison, Wigley & Co and dates to 1892. Alfred Wigley registered his first mark at Birmingham’s assay office in 1874 specialising in watch cases and sovereign cases and producing some of the very best examples of both. In 1879 they merged with Aaron Dennison’s watch case company to form Dennison, Wigley & Co but continued to use the makers’ marks of both firms independently. In 1906 they became the Dennison Watch Case Co and remained in business until the mid 1960s.

Condition is very good, with no dings or dents. The rim of the spring loaded coin holder has a separate hallmark for 1904 and is therefore presumably a replacement for a damaged original. The hinge and clasp are both in good working order. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The sovereign case is 4.4cm / 1.7ins from ring to hinge, 2.9cm / 1.1ins in diameter and 1.2cm / 0.47ins deep. It weighs in at 16.5g / 0.58oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks, on the inside of the lid, are well struck and clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the anchor assay mark for Birmingham, the date letter s for 1892 and the A.W makers' mark for Alfred Wigley.

Shipping in the UK is £10 by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes cover for the value of the sovereign case.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.