Here we have an elegant Edwardian Sterling Silver Sovereign Case. The case is circular with an engraved ivy leaf decoration to front and back surrounding a shield shaped blank cartouche. The interior has a spring loaded holder for the sovereign coin.

The sovereign case was made in Birmingham by Smith & Bartlam and dates to 1910. Founded by Edward Smith and William Bartlam in Birmingham around 1900, the firm had marks registered in both Birmingham and Chester. They made jewellery and small items of silverware such as cigarette cases, vesta cases, compacts, napkin rings etc. They remained in business up until around 1950.

Condition is very good, with just the superficial surface wear that you would expect after over 110 years of use, much of it in a pocket or on a watch chain. The clasp and hinges are in good working order and the case snaps shut securely. Please make sure to view all the photographs as these form part of the description.

The sovereign case measures 4.7cm / 1.85ins from the bale to the hinge, 3cm / 1.18ins across and is 1.1cm / 0.43ins deep. It weighs in at a respectable 16.2g / 0.57oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks, on the inside of the lid, are a little rubbed but still clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the anchor assay mark for Birmingham, the date letter l for 1910 and the distinctive S & Bm makers' mark for Smith & Bartlam.