Victorian Silver Purse
A victorian silver purse brings together solid metal work and fine leather or textiles, offering a tactile piece of history to carry or display.
Victorian Silver Purse
When searching for a victorian silver purse, collectors encounter a range of functional accessories spanning the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The selections on this page feature solid sterling silver frames, sovereign cases, and small evening bags that reflect the changing social habits of the period.
Most examples combine precious metal mounts with organic materials like crocodile skin, leather, silk, and velvet. Forms vary from heart-shaped sovereign holders and shell-shaped coin purses to larger evening bags fitted with internal compartments and silk linings.
Origin points largely centre on British workshops, particularly Birmingham and London assay offices, alongside continental European pieces such as French silver gilt items. Makers often incorporated textile elements like petit point needlework or fitted the silver mounts onto supple leather wallets.
Distinctions in Execution and Preservation
The standard of a piece rests on the crispness of the chased or engraved metalwork and the structural integrity of the hinges and clasps. Superior examples retain their original internal silk linings and fitted compartments without tearing or staining.
Preservation of organic materials like crocodile skin, leather, and tortoiseshell dictates desirability, as does the clarity of the Birmingham or London hallmarks stamped into the silver frame.
Victorian Silver Purse Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for victorian silver purse among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
The archive records multiple pieces featuring built-in aide-mémoire compartments designed for pencil notes.
Wright and Davies·Ludwig Krumm·Charles Penny Brown·Joseph Gloster·Frederick Wich
The Victorian Silver Purse Glossary
- Sterling silver
- An alloy of silver containing 92.5 percent by mass of silver and 7.5 percent by mass of other metals, usually copper. This standard composition provides the durability required for functional pocket accessories.
- Silver gilt
- Sterling silver that has been plated with a thin layer of gold on its surface. This technique produces a rich golden appearance while retaining the structural benefits of silver underneath.
- Sovereign case
- A small, pocket-sized container specifically engineered to hold gold sovereign coins securely. These holders often feature spring-loaded mechanisms for individual coins.
- Petit point
- A form of needlepoint embroidery executed on single-thread canvas using fine stitches. It allows for highly detailed pictorial scenes on evening bags and purses.
- Piqué
- A method of decorating tortoiseshell or ivory by inlaying tiny points of gold or silver to form delicate patterns. Craftsmen heated the metal pins to press them precisely into the organic base.
Victorian Silver Purse: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I date a silver purse?
Dating relies heavily on the hallmarks stamped onto the silver mounts, which indicate the assay office, city, and year of production. Stylistic markers such as Art Nouveau curves or Aesthetic Movement motifs also help narrow down the decade.
Makers' marks provide further context when matched against historical registry records. Comparing the clasp style and interior textile type offers additional clues regarding the manufacturing era.
Were these purses meant for everyday use?
Many of these pieces served practical daily functions for Victorian individuals carrying coins, calling cards, or sovereign currency. Robust leather and crocodile skin versions were built to withstand regular handling in pockets or bags.
More delicate silk and petit point examples were reserved for evening social events and formal occasions. The inclusion of chains and finger rings allowed owners to secure the accessories safely during transit.
How should I clean a silver purse?
Maintenance requires gentle removal of surface dust using a soft, dry cloth to protect any surrounding leather or fabric elements. Avoid harsh chemical dips that can strip away dark patinas or damage organic linings like velvet and silk.
For the silver components, a specialised polishing cloth used sparingly prevents abrasion to engraved details. Professional guidance is recommended if the hinges or internal mechanisms require mechanical adjustment.
What is the difference between a sovereign case and a coin purse?
A sovereign case is a rigid, tightly toleranced holder designed to fit British gold sovereign coins exactly, often utilising internal springs. They focus primarily on metal construction and secure closure for high-value currency. <br> A coin purse incorporates flexible materials like leather, fabric, or mesh to hold a mixed quantity of loose change of varying sizes. These generally feature kiss-locks or frame snaps rather than individual coin slots.