What is a castle top card case?

A castle top card case is a specialised silver holder featuring a detailed three-dimensional or high-relief engraving of a recognised building on the exterior. These architectural subjects include landmarks such as Windsor Castle and St Paul's Cathedral. Such pieces represent a pinnacle of mid nineteenth-century silversmithing. Collectors prize them for the precision required to render complex masonry in miniature silver relief.

How were visiting cases used?

These cases held engraved paper calling cards that individuals left at the homes of acquaintances as part of formal nineteenth-century social etiquette. Leaving a card signified a visit had been paid even if the host was not home. The slim profile of the silver case protected the paper cards from bending or moisture while carried in a pocket or suspended from a chatelaine. The spring-loaded or hinged lid allowed for quick access when arriving at a residence.

How do I date a silver card case?

Dating relies primarily on the stamped hallmarks found on the rim or interior lip of the silver case. These assay marks indicate the specific year letter, city of testing, and standard of silver. Stylistic cues also help narrow down the period, as Victorian examples frequently display dense floral scrolls and architectural reliefs, whereas Edwardian pieces often lean toward cleaner lines or lighter Art Deco influences.

Can modern business cards fit inside?

Most antique visiting cases were made to accommodate nineteenth-century calling card dimensions, which are typically smaller and narrower than modern business cards. Standard modern cards will usually not slide into the older compartments. Buyers intending to use the case practically should check the interior measurements against current card sizes. Many owners prefer to display them as decorative objects rather than carrying them daily.

What is Connemara marble?

Connemara marble is a distinctive Irish stone characterised by various shades of green, ranging from pale olive to deep forest tones. It appears inlaid within the silver framework of select Edwardian card cases. This natural material provides a smooth, polished contrast to the engraved sterling silver surroundings. Pieces featuring this stone combine local mineral craft with traditional silversmithing.

Search 0

42,337 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 110 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN

Saved

GIFTS

Engraved Silver Visiting Case

110 ITEMS ADDED TODAY

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Engraved Silver Visiting Case

20 items · page 2 of 2

← Page 2 of 2 →

An engraved silver visiting case is a pocket-sized repository for calling cards, combining intricate metalwork with Victorian and Edwardian social etiquette.

1900 - 1920

Save

Edwardian Silver Card Case 1910

From Silver Antiques Online

£340

FOR SALE

silver

1900 - 1920

Save

Antique Silver Card Case.

From George James Antiques

£110

FOR SALE

silver

1900 - 1920

Save

A Delightful Silver & Connemara Marble Card Case

From Andrew Cox Antiques

£175

FOR SALE

silver

19th century

Save

Victorian Antique Silver Card Case of St Paul’s Cathedral by Nathaniel Mills

From Highland Antiques Ltd

£1,995

FOR SALE

silver

← 1 2 →

65,810

Antiques For Sale

110

Antiques Approved Today

2,271

Antique Uploads This Month

447,191

Total Antiques Sold

Engraved Silver Visiting Case

Edwardian Silver Card Case 1910

Antique Silver Card Case.

A Delightful Silver & Connemara Marble Card Case

Victorian Antique Silver Card Case of St Paul’s Cathedral by Nathaniel Mills

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories