Antique Sterling Silver Sovereign Case By Horton & Allday - Birmingham 1900
126 Years Old & Still Shining!
A little piece of history you can wear! Dating all the way back to 1900, this beautiful Victorian sterling silver sovereign case is brimming with old-world charm! With its wonderfully textured finish, decorative engraved cartouche and original Birmingham hallmarks, she's a gorgeous reminder of the craftsmanship of yesteryear.126 years of history, and ready for her next chapter!
HISTORY OF HORTON & ALLDAY
The firm was founded in Birmingham c. 1860 by Alfred George Horton and Harry Allday. In 1886, Horton passed away and the business was continued by Allday, who maintained the name Horton & Allday. The firm was located at 193 Warstone Lane, Birmingham, where it remained until 1931 before relocating to 58 Northampton Street.
Horton & Allday entered their hallmarks in Birmingham, Chester ("H & A" in 1894, 1895 and 1906), London ("H.A" in 1887 and "Hn & Ay" in 1897) and Sheffield ("H & A" in 1903) Assay Offices. The firm participated in the 1915 and 1920 editions of the British Industries Fair.
A beautiful little piece of Victorian history, this charming Sterling Silver Sovereign Case dates to 1900, making it an impressive 126 years old this year!
Manufactured by the renowned silversmiths Horton & Allday, who operated from Warstone Lane in Birmingham and Poland Street in London, this lovely antique piece is beautifully crafted in solid Sterling Silver, with wonderful attention to detail.
The front and reverse feature an intricately worked, finely textured finish, possibly engine-turned or hand-engraved, creating a lovely shimmering effect as the silver catches the light. To one side is a smooth circular cartouche, beautifully adorned with an elaborate, flowing engraved design that appears to be an intertwined monogram or decorative symbol. While we have been unable to confidently identify the lettering, it certainly adds a wonderful sense of individuality and mystery to this delightful piece.
Fully UK hallmarked, the case bears the Birmingham assay mark, Lion Passant denoting Sterling Silver, date letter ‘a’ for 1900, and the maker's mark ‘H & A’ for Horton & Allday.
Originally designed to safely house a sovereign coin, these beautiful little cases were both practical and fashionable accessories in their day. Today, they make equally wonderful pieces of antique jewellery, particularly when worn suspended from a favourite chain or alongside other treasured charms and fobs.
Measuring approximately 3cm in diameter, with an overall drop of 4.6cm including the top ring, this example is a fabulous size for wearing as a pendant. The generous suspension ring allows it to be slipped onto a favourite chain or attached to a dog clip or bolt ring for a more traditional antique look.
Full of Victorian charm, beautiful craftsmanship and 126 years of history, this is a wonderfully versatile little treasure, perfect for the antique silver enthusiast or anyone who appreciates jewellery with character, individuality and a story to tell.
| Stones | None |
| Measurements | 3.0cm Round Drop with top ring 4.6cm |
| Hallmarks | UK hallmarks for Birmingham, Lion Passant for Sterling, Date letter ‘a’ for 1900 ‘H & A’ For Horton & Allday - Warstone Lane Birmingham & Poland Street London |
| Weight | 22.3 Grams |
| Era | Victorian / 1837 - 1901 |
Condition
Very good antique 126 year old condition. Opens and closes securely. Spring bed fully functional. Patina here and there. One very tiny mark to rear, cannot be considered a ding. Minor marks to silver. Lovely early case.Explore Our Collection
Discover our curated collection, each piece with its own distinctive character and exceptional craftsmanship.
View The CollectionLaybys & Hold Policy
Do you have your eye on a fabulous piece but need some extra time to
pay?
At Graisons, we offer suitable layby terms for pieces priced $400 AUD and above ranging between 4-6 months. Contact us for more details.
Purchase Guide & Refund Policy
For information regarding our Purchase Guide & Returns Policy, please click here
Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.
Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
All purchases include a photographic keepsake.
If the item includes an independent gemmological valuation certificate (which is always clearly stated in the product description), the physical certificate will be included.
Choose options