Victorian Silver Ring Tray, Chester, 1894

Name: Victorian Silver Ring Tray, Chester, 1894
SKU: as1006a271
Price: 40.00 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

Photos

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This is a delightful little Victorian Heart Shaped Sterling Silver Ring Tray or Pin Tray with all-over repousse decoration. The tray was made by Henry Matthews of Birmingham and assayed in Chester in 1894. Henry Matthews operated from premises in Vittoria Street, right in the heart of Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter, between around 1890 and 1930. Like many Birmingham silversmiths he would sometimes send smaller pieces to Chester to be assayed and hallmarked.

The Chester assay office was one of a number of provincial assay offices established by an Act of Parliament in 1701. It was always one of the smaller offices and was used by silversmiths in other parts of the country, particularly for assaying antique jewellery, novelty items and small silver pieces. The office closed in 1962 and Chester hallmarks are now much sought after by collectors.

This beautiful little heart-shaped ring tray is lavishly decorated in true Victorian fashion with c-scrolls, flowers and foliage. It has a blank cartouche in the centre, making it ideal to move on to a new owner. It would look very pretty sat on a dressing table today.

Condition is extremely good with no dings or dents and just one tiny pinhole near the hallmark. So often pieces with this type of raised decoration have been worn through by cleaning over the years but this little tray has clearly been treated with great care. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The ring tray is 6.8cm x 6.2cm / 2.6" x 2.5" and weighs in at 11.9g / 0.42oz.

The hallmarks are tucked into the side of the tray and are clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the sword and 3 wheatsheaves assay mark for Chester, the date letter "L" for 1894 and the HM makers' mark for Henry Matthews.

Shipping in the UK is £6 by Royal Mail 1st Class Signed For Parcel Post.
Overseas customers please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.

Price

£~~40.00~~

$~~53.84~~ USA

€~~45.98~~

The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 13/APR/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.