Burnell and Rowe

Description

This is a charming small Victorian Sterling Silver Vesta Case. The case is oblong with a hinged lid and a ring at the top for attachment to a watch chain or chatelaine. The body is engraved to front and back with acanthus leaves and has a blank cartouche on the front. The small size suggests that this was probably intended for use by a lady.

The vesta case was made in Birmingham by Mitchell Bosley & Co and dates to 1888. The firm was established in Birmingham in the 1880s and operated from premises in Bath Street on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter. They are best known for their small, intricately decorated personal items such as sovereign cases, card cases, dressing table pots, vesta cases and cigarette cases. They remained in business up until around 1910.

Condition is very good with just the superficial surface wear that you would anticipate after over 135 years of good service, much of it probably spent in a pocket or handbag. The hinge is in full working order and the lid snaps shut securely. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The little vesta case measures 3.8cm / 1.5ins by 2.2cm / 0.87ins and is 0.7cm / 0.28ins deep. It weighs in at 10.1g / 0.35oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks, on the inside rim of the case, are a little rubbed but still clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the anchor assay mark for Birmingham, the date letter o for 1888, the Queen Victoria duty mark and the M.B makers' mark for Mitchell Bosley & Co.

Shipping in the UK is £6.00 by Royal Mail Tracked 24.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before makig a purchase.