A Victorian sterling silver travelling sandwich box by Frederic Purnell, fully hallmarked in London in 1881. Purnell was a respected London silversmith working from Hatton Garden, who had taken over the well-regarded Pittway Brothers business, makers of fine fitted cases and travelling silver, and continued producing high-quality personal and travelling accessories.
The box is of the practical expanding form: the deep rectangular body is hinged so that it opens out to increase its capacity, allowing it to hold a generous portion of sandwiches or refreshments. The exterior is plain and brightly polished with softly rounded corners, while the interior retains its original gilding, the warm gold tone contrasting beautifully against the bright silver.
Boxes of this type were carried for picnics, shooting parties, race meetings and other Victorian outdoor pursuits. Today they are sought after as decorative and usable antique silver, and as an unusual collector's piece by a documented London maker.
Hallmarks & Details -
Maker: Frederic Purnell
Assay Office: London
Date: 1881
Period: Victorian
Metal: Sterling Silver
Interior: Original gilding
Weight: 316 grams
Dimensions -
Length: 14 cm
Width: 7.5 cm
Height: 4.7 cm
Condition :
In good antique condition, with small dents, light scratches and tarnishing consistent with age and use.
A Victorian sterling silver travelling sandwich box by Frederic Purnell, fully hallmarked in London in 1881. Purnell was a respected London silversmith working from Hatton Garden, who had taken over the well-regarded Pittway Brothers business, makers of fine fitted cases and travelling silver, and continued producing high-quality personal and travelling accessories.
The box is of the practical expanding form: the deep rectangular body is hinged so that it opens out to increase its capacity, allowing it to hold a generous portion of sandwiches or refreshments. The exterior is plain and brightly polished with softly rounded corners, while the interior retains its original gilding, the warm gold tone contrasting beautifully against the bright silver.
Boxes of this type were carried for picnics, shooting parties, race meetings and other Victorian outdoor pursuits. Today they are sought after as decorative and usable antique silver, and as an unusual collector's piece by a documented London maker.
Hallmarks & Details -
Maker: Frederic Purnell
Assay Office: London
Date: 1881
Period: Victorian
Metal: Sterling Silver
Interior: Original gilding
Weight: 316 grams
Dimensions -
Length: 14 cm
Width: 7.5 cm
Height: 4.7 cm
Condition :
In good antique condition, with small dents, light scratches and tarnishing consistent with age and use.
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