Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Victorian Enamel Vesta Case to the 19th Century.
Of elegant rectangular form with softened, rounded corners, the front of the pocket match safe features a beautifully detailed, hand-painted enamel depiction of a blooming white rose nestled among smaller secondary buds, autumnal leaves, and thorns. The reverse is finely engraved with crisp contemporary initials JDF in an elegant flowing script.
The case opens on a sturdy, tight hinge to reveal a clean interior, with the bezel clearly stamped for the prestigious London luxury retailer A. Barrett, 63, 64 Piccadilly. Complete with its original suspension ring at the top and a corrugated friction strike plate built into the base, this piece represents the pinnacle of late 19th-century luxury novelty silver.
The enamel remains vibrant and remarkably intact, the hinge operates smoothly and snaps shut securely, and the full British hallmarks are deeply struck and legible.
Maker: William Neale
Assay Office: Chester, 1888
Retailer: A. Barrett, 63 & 64 Piccadilly, London
Dimensions: Length: 4.5 cm / 1.8 inches
Weight: 23.9 grams / 0.75 ozt
Condition: Excellent antique condition with crisp hallmarks and an undamaged enamel face.
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Victorian Enamel Vesta Case to the 19th Century.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page
A Victorian Sterling Silver & Painted Enamel Yellow & White Rose Vesta Case – William Neale, Chester 1888
