Hand-Engraved Sterling Silver Business Card Case, Marked 925

Hand-Engraved Sterling Silver Business Card Case, Marked 925

A card case is a small courtesy: it keeps a first impression flat, clean and ready to hand.

The card case began in the nineteenth century as a companion to the visiting card, carried in a pocket or reticule and offered at the door when calling. As visiting cards gave way to business cards, the case grew slimmer and more practical. This one, with its sprung inner plate and small thumb tab, is made for the business card.

The front is hand-engraved with a border of scrolling foliage between beaded bands, framing a polished panel with a script monogram. The reverse is plain and polished. The lid is hinged along the long side and opens with a small tab, and inside a sprung plate holds the cards flat and in place. The case is marked STERLING 925 on the inner face beside the tab, and carries no maker's mark or hallmarks.

The case is in excellent condition, with minor surface scratches from use, principally on the plain reverse. No dents or restoration have been noted on physical examination.

Key Details

• Maker: unidentified
• Material: sterling silver, marked 925
• Form: hinged business card case with sprung retaining plate
• Decoration: hand-engraved scrolling foliage between beaded bands, with a central script monogram
• Marks: STERLING 925; no maker's mark or conventional assay hallmarks
• Country of origin: undetermined
• Period: not dated
• Dimensions: 9.3 × 6.1 × 0.5 cm
• Weight: 98 g
• Fits standard business cards
• Condition: excellent; minor surface scratches, mostly on the reverse
• Buyer profile: someone who still hands over a card in person; a gift for a person who shares the initials; collectors of practical silver

Collector Appeal

At 98 grams, this is a solid case, made to be used every day rather than kept in a drawer. The hand-engraved border gives it a traditional look, while the shape is entirely practical. For someone with the same initials, the monogram makes it a ready-made personal gift.

Made to be carried, opened and handed across a table, many times over.