Jewellery box - Silver - Edwardian 1901

An exceptionally decorative Edwardian jewellery and sewing casket with a cushioned lid, made by the renowned British silversmiths Saunders & Shepherd and hallmarked in Birmingham for the assay year 1901–1902.

The rectangular casket is covered in deep purple velvet and surrounded by an elaborate openwork sterling-silver frame. Its richly modelled decoration depicts playful putti or bacchanalian figures among scrolling foliage, grapevines and bunches of grapes. Several figures play musical instruments, creating a lively classical scene associated with celebration, abundance and the mythology of Bacchus.

The hinged lid is framed in sterling silver and fitted with a buttoned velvet cushion, traditionally intended for holding hatpins, brooch pins and sewing needles. It opens to reveal a spacious compartment lined with cream-coloured fabric, suitable for jewellery, sewing accessories or other personal treasures.

Historical context

This casket was made at the beginning of the Edwardian era, during the transition from the long reign of Queen Victoria to that of King Edward VII. Around 1900, affluent households surrounded themselves with finely crafted dressing-table accessories. A combined jewellery casket and pincushion was both practical and a visible expression of refinement.

The classical figures, grapevines and flowing scrollwork reflect the late-19th-century Renaissance and Baroque Revival styles. Such historicist decoration was particularly fashionable for luxurious domestic silver and objects of vertu.

Saunders & Shepherd was founded in London in 1869 by Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders and James Francis Hollings Shepherd. The firm became known for jewellery, silver novelties and finely made personal accessories. Its work was sold to an international clientele and is now collected as an important example of British silver production around 1900.

Hallmarks

The silver frame bears the following British hallmarks:

– CS★FS: Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders & James Francis Hollings Shepherd
– Lion passant: sterling silver, minimum fineness 925/1000
– Anchor: Birmingham Assay Office
– Lowercase “b”: assay year 1901–1902

Please note that the stated weight is the gross weight of the complete casket, including its internal construction, velvet and fabric lining; it is not the net silver weight.

Details

Maker: Saunders & Shepherd
Origin: Birmingham, England
Period: Early Edwardian, 1901–1902
Material: Sterling-silver mounts, velvet, fabric and internal supporting structure
Dimensions: approximately 19.5 × 10.5 × 8 cm
Gross weight: approximately 432 g
Function: Jewellery, trinket or sewing casket with pincushion lid

Condition

Good antique condition, displaying an attractive and authentic appearance. The openwork silver decoration appears substantially complete and the lid functions correctly. The velvet and cream-coloured lining show visible age-related wear, discolouration and minor marks consistent with an object more than 120 years old.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.

The casket will be carefully packed for safe shipment.

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