Rare Victorian Silver & Enamel "Sentry Box" Vesta Case – Sampson Mordan (1886) - "Production Error" Unrecorded

Rare Victorian Silver & Enamel "Sentry Box" Vesta Case – Sampson Mordan (1886)

A highly collectible and unique unrecorded "Production Error" variant of a Victorian masterpiece.

Maker: Sampson Mordan the premier Victorian silversmith of novelty "smoker's companions".

Regimental Subject: A beautifully hand-enamelled Coldstream Guard in full dress uniform. Identification confirmed by the signature button-pairing on the tunic and the iconic bearskin cap.

Unique Feature (The "Error"): This specific piece features a rare mis-struck Design Registration number (38283) on the lid. The numbers are applied both mirrored (back-to-front) and inverted, a fascinating workshop anomaly that makes this an exceptionally rare find for the Sampson Mordan specialist.

Hallmarks: Fully hallmarked on the bezel with the "S.M" maker's mark and London date letter for 1886.

Design: Distinctive prismatic pentagon "Sentry Box" shape with a serrated striking plate at the base.

Condition Note: The enamel remains vibrant and largely intact, showcasing the fine detail of the guard’s medals and uniform. The silver displays a genuine age-related patina with clear hallmarks. A truly one-of-a-kind addition to any collection of Tobacciana or Military silver.

In good condition with no damage or repair.

The enamel is good and original usual pocket wear

Minor surface marks to the silver

H 59 mm (2.32 inches)

W 24 mm (0.94 inches)

D 10 mm (0.39 inches)

Weight

25.80 Grams (0.83 troy ounces)

This is one from a series of silver and enamel Vesta Cases depicting ‘Soldiers of the Queen’ produced by Mordan around the time of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887. It was originally thought that the Sentry Box Vesta was limited to a series of perhaps 10 or 12 different examples made specifically for the Jubilee.

Around 25 plus different Regiments have now been recorded.

Because there are no other documented cases of this mirrored stamp on a SM Sentry Box vesta, This piece is technically "unrecorded."

"unrecorded" or "unique variant"

This is the only known version of this Sampson Mordan Sentry Box with a specific manufacturing "glitch" I believe making it exceptionally rare.