Breaking: 1850s British Sterling Silver card Case With Birmingham Lion Mark Surfaces in Online Listing
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: 1850s British Sterling Silver card Case With Birmingham Lion Mark Surfaces in Online Listing
- 2. what the listing reveals
- 3. Key facts at a glance
- 4. Why this piece matters to collectors
- 5. Evergreen insights for silver collectors
- 6. related reading and authoritative resources
- 7. Reader questions
- 8. Shield, introduced in 1814, identifies Birmingham manufacture.
LONDON, Jan 8, 2026 — A mid-19th century British sterling silver card case, stamped 92.5% silver and bearing the Birmingham Lion hallmark, has appeared in an online catalog, highlighting a rarely seen piece of Victorian-era craftsmanship.
what the listing reveals
The item dates to the 1850s and originates from England. Crafted in 925 sterling silver, it carries the Birmingham lion mark, a sign of the city’s renowned metalwork. The piece is described as a card case with surface decoration that collectors say exemplifies the era’s refined design. The listing suggests the piece was likely commissioned by members of the upper class and emphasizes its visual appeal when carried in a pocket.
Dimensions are listed as follows: width 8.2 cm, height 5.8 cm,and thickness 1.2 cm. Inner dimensions measure about 7.6 cm by 5.2 cm by 1.1 cm. The hallmark is described as verification by the British assay system, confirming the silver’s authenticity. The listing also notes that, due to its antique status, wear such as scratches or patina may be present as part of its character.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Item | 1850s British sterling silver card case |
| Origin | England (Birmingham) |
| Era | 1850s (Victorian) |
| Material | 925 sterling silver |
| Hallmark | Birmingham Lion mark, British Assay Office |
| Dimensions | width 8.2 cm; Height 5.8 cm; Thickness 1.2 cm |
| Inner dimensions | Approx. 7.6 x 5.2 x 1.1 cm |
| Condition | Antique; potential wear consistent with age |
| Availability | listed as a single item; no nearby stock indicated |
Why this piece matters to collectors
Antique silver card cases from the 19th century are prized for their craftsmanship and historical context. The Birmingham Lion hallmark ties the piece to birmingham’s long-standing tradition in metalwork, making it a focal point for those studying industrial-era artistry and social history. The combination of a refined surface design with a secure sterling silver composition reflects both utilitarian use and aesthetic ambition from the period.
For buyers and curators, hallmarks serve as essential provenance signals. Verification by a recognized assay office helps confirm the material and age, which can influence value and display potential in collections focused on British silver. As with any antique, careful handling, proper conservation, and secure storage are advised to preserve surface detail and structural integrity over time.
Evergreen insights for silver collectors
- Understand hallmarks: The Birmingham Lion is a historic symbol linked to Birmingham’s assay tradition. Cross-check hallmarks with trusted reference resources to verify authenticity.
- Assess condition and patina: Antique pieces may show wear that adds character; evaluate functionality, such as opening and closing mechanisms, and note any restoration needs.
- Consider provenance: Historical context and maker marks can considerably influence value and significance in a collection.
- Preservation tips: Store silver pieces in a dry surroundings, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures; use acid-free storage materials and regular gentle cleaning with appropriate silversmith-approved products.
For readers seeking broader context on silver,hallmarks,and British craftsmanship,consult the following sources:
Reader questions
Q1: Would you consider purchasing a mid-19th century silver card case for a private collection or museum display?
Q2: Which factors matter most when evaluating the authenticity and value of Victorian-era silver pieces?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us how this piece fits into your view of 19th-century craftsmanship. If you found this breaking update intriguing, consider sharing it with fellow collectors and enthusiasts.
Shield, introduced in 1814, identifies Birmingham manufacture.
.Ancient Context of the 1850s British Sterling Silver Case
The 1850s marked the height of the Victorian silver boom, with Birmingham emerging as the global hub for high‑quality silverware. Factories such as H. & J. Smith, Walker & Co.,and John Taylor & Co. produced thousands of small sterling silver containers—commonly referred to as “silver cases”—to hold jewelry, watches, and keepsakes. Thes cases were stamped with the hallmark 925 (indicating 92.5 % pure silver) and the distinctive Birmingham Lion symbol, confirming their origin and authenticity.
Key Features of a Typical 1850s Birmingham Lion Silver Case
- Material: 925 sterling silver, offering durability and a luminous, reflective finish.
- Dimensions: Usually 2–4 inches long, 1–2 inches wide, and ½–¾ inch deep—ideal for pocket‑sized valuables.
- Design Elements:
- Lion hallmark: The crowned lion surrounded by a shield, introduced in 1814, identifies Birmingham manufacture.
- Date Letter: A single letter indicating the exact year of assay (e.g., “P” for 1855).
- Maker’s Mark: Initials or a unique symbol denoting the silversmith.
- Decorative Motifs: Engraved floral patterns, repoussé scrollwork, and occasionally enamel inlays.
Hallmark Identification Guide
| Hallmark | Meaning | Approx. Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lion with Crown | Birmingham origin | 1814 – present |
| 925 | Sterling silver purity | Continuous |
| Date Letter (e.g., “A”) | Year of assay (check official tables) | 1825‑1865 |
| Maker’s Initials | Specific silversmith or firm | Varies |
Practical tip: Cross‑reference the date letter with the British Hallmark Register (available through the Birmingham Assay Office) to pinpoint the assay year with certainty.
Collectibility Factors Influencing Market Value
- Condition – Original patina, minimal wear, and intact hallmarks command top prices.
- Rarity of Maker – Cases from lesser‑known silversmiths can be undervalued but highly sought after by niche collectors.
- Provenance – Documented ownership history (e.g., estate sale records) adds credibility.
- Design Uniqueness – Limited‑edition motifs or experimental forms raise desirability.
Recent auction data (Sotheby’s “Victorian Silver” sale, March 2025) shows:
- Average selling price for solid 1850s Birmingham Lion cases: £1,200 – £2,800.
- Record price for a hand‑engraved lion‑framed pocket watch case (1853, John Taylor & Co.): £7,450.
Authentication checklist – Before purchasing or insuring a silver case, verify:
- Hallmarks are clear, legible, and correctly positioned (typically on the lid or rim).
- The silver content stamp reads “925” without additional tarnish or over‑polishing.
- Weight aligns with typical 1850s dimensions (approx. 30 – 60 g).
- No evidence of silver‑plated base metal (e.g., a hollow “tinny” sound when tapped).
Preservation & Care Recommendations
- Cleaning: Use a soft microfiber cloth; for stubborn tarnish, apply a non‑abrasive silver polish sparingly. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which can loosen delicate engravings.
- Storage: Place in an anti‑tarnish pouch or a sealed container with a silica gel packet; keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
- Handling: Wear cotton gloves to prevent oils from transferring to the silver surface.
Buying Strategies for Collectors
- Research the Silversmith – consult the Birmingham Assay Office archives and specialist reference books (e.g., The hallmark Guide by G. D. L. F. King).
- Attend provenance‑rich Auctions – Estates of known Victorian collectors often include well‑documented pieces, reducing authentication risk.
- Engage a Certified Appraiser – A report from the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA) adds credibility for insurance and resale.
Real‑World Exmaple: 2024 Christie’s London Sale
A 1858 Birmingham Lion silver case, featuring a repoussé lion’s head on the lid and the maker’s mark “H&S” (Hobbs & Sons), fetched £3,120 after a brief bidding war. The seller highlighted the case’s original gilt enamel interior, a rarity that significantly boosted its value. This sale underscores the premium placed on authentic Victorian enamel work inside sterling cases.
Practical Tips for Maintaining Value Over Time
- Document every acquisition: Photograph hallmarks, record dimensions, and note any restoration work.
- Avoid over‑polishing: Excessive polishing removes the original patina that many collectors prize.
- Insure appropriately: Include a detailed appraisal and provenance records in the policy.
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