Material: solid sterling silver, cardboard and fabric
Weight: 29.3 gr
Dimensions: purse is 6 cm x 4.8 cm
Inscriptions: letter L + HM + anchor + lion + letter m
The hallmarks visible on the item are British (English) sterling silver hallmarks from Birmingham, dating to 1911 and made by the silversmith Henry Matthews.
Here is the detailed breakdown of the marks, from left to right in the image: • Workshop / Pattern Mark ("L"): A single stamped letter on the far left, often used by the manufacturer as a batch, workman, or pattern mark. • Maker's Mark ("HM"): The initials HM inside a rectangular cartouche stand for Henry Matthews, a renowned English silversmith active in Birmingham (mark registered in 1893, well known for small silverware, boxes, and coin purses). • Standard Mark (Lion Passant): The lion walking to the left guarantees that the piece is solid sterling silver (925/1000 fineness, meaning 92.5% pure silver). • Assay Office Mark (Anchor): The anchor is the official symbol of the Birmingham Assay Office in England. • Date Letter (lowercase "m"): The letter "m" inside a shield with clipped corners corresponds to the assay year 1911 (specifically running from July 1911 to June 1912).
This piece is an authentic Edwardian English sterling silver coin purse or dance card case from 1911.
I chose to preserve the original patina, which protects its historical integrity, sharp details, and value for collectors.
