{"product_id":"1890s-crocodile-leather-wallet","title":"1899 Antique Crocodile Leather Wallet, London Hallmarked Sterling Silver Mounts, Ornate Monogram, H. B. Drew \u0026 Co. Retailer Stamp","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBurnished brown leather, silver scrolls, and the initials of a keeper whose story remains folded within.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis late-Victorian wallet pairs richly patterned crocodile leather with shaped silver corner mounts and an elaborate applied monogram. The warm reddish-brown surface contrasts with the cool metal frame, while engraved flourishes lend the intertwined initials their distinctly personal character. The initials are left uninterpreted rather than assigned to an imagined owner.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe item’s existing hallmark research records London sterling silver marks dated 1899, with a JW maker’s mark attributed to John West. That maker attribution remains qualified. Inside, a gilt-lettered H. B. Drew \u0026amp; Co. retailer stamp adds a further detail to the object’s history, distinct from the attribution of its silver mounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe case opens on a central hinge to reveal leather slip pockets on both sides, with ochre-yellow lining behind them. It is a survivor of an earlier pocket ritual, suited to a collection of personal accessories or the careful keeping of small papers. The display card shown in the photographs is not included.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Particulars\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Antique wallet \/ personal pocket case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeriod: Late Victorian\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHallmark date: London, 1899, date letter d, according to the existing item research\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver maker: JW mark, attributed to John West\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRetailer marking: H. B. Drew \u0026amp; Co., gilt-lettered interior stamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterials: Crocodile leather and sterling silver mounts, as identified in the item records\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecoration: Shaped corner mounts and an ornate applied monogram\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterior: Leather slip pockets with ochre-yellow lining\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition: Excellent for its age, as assessed by the seller, with visible age-related wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe close-ups show creasing and surface wear to the leather, fine scratches and patina on the silver, and spotting, wear, and small splits along the folded edges of the interior lining. These details are part of its antique condition and should be studied carefully. It is not presented as pristine or unused.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA deeply personal relic from the closing years of the nineteenth century, ready for a new keeper without surrendering its old mysteries. Carefully nestled in its treasure coffin, a vault relic from Vaen’kai Vault.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vaen’kai Vault","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55202721759571,"sku":"VKVW-H001","price":264.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1085\/2771\/4643\/files\/DSC_8385.jpg?v=1791139942","url":"https:\/\/vaenkaivault.com\/products\/1890s-crocodile-leather-wallet","provider":"Vaen’kai Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}