Antique G. Loveridge & Co Birmingham Sterling Silver Vesta Case, Full Scroll Engraving, Inscribed Annie 1904, Hallmarked 1902, Edwardian

Annie. 1904.

Two years after this case left the Birmingham Assay Office, someone had a name cut into it and gave it to her. The engraver gave Annie's name the full treatment: flowing cursive script in a shaped shield cartouche with cut-corner shoulders, the date below it with a small decorative dot between name and year, the whole thing done with the quiet confidence of someone who knew exactly what they were doing.

The rest of the case matches that ambition entirely. The front face is covered edge to edge in hand-engraved scrollwork: dense, flowing acanthus leaves and bold C-scrolls building a continuous pattern across the entire surface with no plain ground left anywhere. This is not stamped decoration but individual engraving, each stroke cut by hand. The bevelled edge profile gives the case real depth and presence in the hand, the form sitting somewhere between a flat pocket piece and a proper jewelled object. The suspension ring at the top corner is plain and functional against the elaborate face.

Made by G. Loveridge & Co (George Loveridge) of Birmingham, fully hallmarked to the interior rim with the maker's mark, lion passant for sterling silver, Birmingham anchor, and date letter C for 1902.

The Particulars:

• Maker: G. Loveridge & Co (George Loveridge), Birmingham
• Metal: Sterling silver, 925, fully hallmarked
• Assay Office: Birmingham, anchor mark present
• Date letter: C, 1902
• Marks: Lion passant, Birmingham anchor, date letter C, G. Loveridge & Co maker's mark
• Form: Rectangular with bevelled edge profile, suspension ring at top corner
• Exterior: Full hand-engraved scrollwork, acanthus and C-scroll foliage across entire front face
• Cartouche: Shaped shield with cut-corner shoulders, inscribed Annie 1904 in cursive script
• Condition: Age wear and patina consistent with period. Please review all photos carefully before purchasing.

A silver object that kept a name for a hundred and twenty years. Annie would have approved.

Arrives tucked inside its own treasure coffin and carefully wrapped as a vault relic, ready for gifting or keeping.