SW15 Collectables

Description

Nathaniel Mills - Victorian silver 'castle-top' card case - Birmingham 1850 - 10x7 cm, 66g. This is fine example of the work of the pre-eminent card-case maker. It has bright-cut scrolling decoration covering both front and back. The central engraving sits in a large scroll-edged cartouche (7x5cm) and depicts a large, turreted country-house – possibly an image of Abbotsford – the home of Sir Walter Scott. The cartouche is surrounded by scrolling, stylised, floral and foliate, bright-cut decoration to the remainder of the front. This is echoed throughout the back of the case which has a central, monogram-engraved, scroll-edged cartouche The sides, top and bottom are of serpentine outline. There is an attached carrying chain. Good clean hallmarks on the inside of the closure for Sterling silver, Nathaniel Mills, Birmingham 1850, including Victoria young head duty mark.

Excellent condition commensurate with age or use. There is a small depression below and to the left of the house within the cartouche and a slight depression noticeable to the tough on the monogram to the back, but no other material marks. The hinge works well and the case catches securely.

I trade in small silver, jewellery and objets d'art. I sell primarily at antiques fairs and in cabinets in Christique Antique Centre in Dorking. I try to find unusual and interesting stock and like to keep turning it over, so I can buy more. Postage and packing are free within the UK - unless explicitly stated otherwise. All fine jewellery will be supplied with a box. If the box/case is described in the text, it will be the one photographed, but may not be if it is not mentioned explicitly. I keep hardly any stock at home, if you want to buy something and need it urgently, I will usually do it the next day, but it may take me some time to respond if you need extra photographs and/or details about the piece that I do not have to hand, as I typically visit the antiques centre just once a week. If you don't see what you're looking for - feel free to send an enquiry via the site. I have only been able to list a portion of my stock.

I will always mention anything that materially affects the aesthetic or function of a piece, but will not attempt to describe what I consider to be normal for age and use. Please use the photographs as well as you can and I’m always happy to answer specific questions.