Repousse Silver Pocket Case
These repousse silver pocket case pieces are portable chased containers designed to hold cards, matches, or notes with tactile ornament.
Repousse Silver Pocket Case
A repousse silver pocket case brings together portable personal accessories worked in high or low relief from the reverse side. When searching for a repousse silver pocket case, collectors encounter various forms including card cases, vesta cases, cigarette cases, aide memoires, and snuff boxes.
The pieces appearing on this page span several distinct periods from the nineteenth century through the Edwardian era and the nineteen-twenties. Common styles include Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, and Ottoman, alongside regional work such as Anglo-Indian silver.
Card cases and vesta cases form the majority of the examples seen here, often featuring figural scenes like animals, architectural views, or deities. The diversity of shapes reflects the varied personal requirements of their original owners.
Materials and construction
These items are constructed primarily from sterling silver or continental grade silver, occasionally utilising vermeil finishes. The metal is beaten or pushed out from the reverse side to form raised patterns on the front.
Chasing tools are subsequently applied to the front surface to refine details, define textures, and sharpen the edges of the motifs. This dual technique allows makers to achieve deep pictorial relief on thin sheets of precious metal.
Several pieces feature unexpected animals, including a detailed mermaid and fighting stags.
Assessing quality and craftsmanship
Quality in a repousse silver pocket case rests upon the crispness of the relief work and the depth of the chased details. Stronger examples display clear definition in figural or architectural scenes without flattening from excessive handling or polishing.
The weight of the silver and the structural integrity of the hinges and clasps further distinguish finer pieces. Maker involvement, such as marked work by notable silversmiths, adds significant distinction to the physical execution.
Nathaniel Mills·Samson London
The Repousse Silver Pocket Case Glossary
- Repousse
- A metalworking technique where the silver is hammered from the reverse side to create a raised design in relief. This method allows artisans to produce elaborate pictorial surfaces.
- Vesta case
- A small pocket container designed to hold matches and keep them dry. These typically feature a striking surface on the base.
- Aide memoire
- A small pocket notebook or memorandum pad fitted with a silver cover and sometimes a pencil. These were used for recording notes and appointments.
- Castle top
- A style of card case featuring a detailed repousse view of a specific building or historic landmark on the cover. These are particularly sought after by collectors.
- Vermeil
- Sterling silver that has been plated with a thin layer of gold. This finish provides a warm dual-tone appearance.
Repousse Silver Pocket Case: Frequently Asked Questions
What fits inside a pocket case?
These containers held specific personal items depending on their form, such as visiting cards, matches, or small writing tablets.
Card cases protected delicate paper calling cards, while vesta cases kept matches dry and ready for use.
How do I date a silver case?
Dating relies heavily on hallmarks stamped into the silver, which indicate the assay office and year of production.
Stylistic markers such as Edwardian symmetry or Art Nouveau curves also help place an object within a specific era.
Are these cases meant for daily use?
While originally built for daily carriage in a pocket or bag, these antique items are now generally treated as display pieces.
Frequent handling can wear down the raised repousse details over time, so careful preservation is recommended.
What is the difference between repousse and chasing?
Repousse refers to pushing the metal out from the back to form the primary raised shape.
Chasing involves working the metal from the front side to refine lines and add surface texture.