Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Castle-Top Cigar Case, Nathaniel Mills 1839

Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1844 by Nathaniel Mills, this fine quality, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Castle Top Card Case, features a high relief chased scene of The Scott...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver castle top vinaigrette depicting Abbotsford House, an addition to our collectable box collection. This exceptional antique silver vinaigrette has a rectangular form with rounded corners. The cover of this fine vinaigrette is embellished with a scene of Abbotsford House in high relief. The sides of the box are encompassed with bands of chased scrolling leaf ornamenation. The underside of the box is ornamented with engine turned decoration incorporating a plain rectangular vacant cartouche. Both the base and cover are embellished with applied scrolling leaf decorated borders. The hinged silver vinaigrette cover allows access to the original hallmarked hinged, pierced decorated silver gilt grille. The vinaigrette retains the original gilding; this has worn with age in a sympathetic fashion to an aesthetically pleasing mellow color. This exceptional vinaigrette was crafted by the renowned silversmith Nathaniel Mills. A historical country house which was the former residence of renowned novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott, situated in the Scottish Borders. Condition This antique vinaigrette is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition. The decoration is very sharp. Full hallmarks struck to the interior and part hallmarks to the underside of the grille are all very clear. Dimensions Length 3.8cm/1.5", width 2.6cm/1", height 1cm/0.4". Weight 0.8 troy ounce/26.3g. Maker: Nathanial Mills...