Technical Description
An Edwardian silver vesta case with a beautifully enamelled panel surrounded by granite inlay. It is fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1906 and with the makers mark ‘J.C&S’ for Joseph Cook & Son. The lid exhibits a ring loop marked with the 925 lion standard. Gothic-style pointed archways, segments and borders have been stylishly engraved into the face with a deep ridged striker to the base.
The use of granite is a rare feature more typically associated with Victorian Scottish agate jewellery. It is a classic combination of grey Aberdeen granite and pink Peterhead granite. The enamelled panel is exceedingly rare and presents as an intricate saltire of red and blue, perhaps indicating a homage to the flags of Scotland, England, and the Union.
Date & Origin
Hiberian Works, Livery Street, Birmingham, England, 1906. Period of Edward VII.
Condition
Excellent, age-related wear as shown. The hinge is in full working order.
Dimensions
Height:
...4 cm ( 5 cm including the ring loop)
Width: 2.9 cm
Historical Context
Joseph Cook & Son was a Birmingham jeweller operating between 1885 and 1939, with a silversmith’s workshop at Hiberian Works, Livery Street, Birmingham, England.
They produced fine silver objects such as bookmarks, bracelets, cigarette cases, cuff links, hat pins, scent bottles, napkin rings, spoons, thimbles, and vesta cases. Notably, many pieces show agate or hardstone inlays with well-designed engravings, examples of enamel in combination are scarce.
This mark was originally registered in January 1889 and was used until 1939.
Internal Reference: 2024100907
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1110850
Dateline of this antique is Edwardian
Height is 4cm (1.6inches)Width is 0cm (0.0inches)Depth is 0cm (0.0inches)
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