Antique 1901 Deakin Francis Silver Pill Box Inset 1902 Sixpence Jermyn Street For Sale

A beautifully preserved pieceof Edwardian luxury social history: a solid sterling silver pocket pill, snuff,or trinket box manufactured by the prestigious firmDeakin & Francis in Birmingham in 1901. Exhibiting the exceptionalprecision engineering for which the maker is famous, the circular lid featuresan authentic 1902 King Edward VII silver sixpence seamlessly inlaid flush intothe center of the silver top. The piece carries an extraordinary double-Zimmermanconnection; it is engraving on the base identifying\"Zimmerman, 98 Jermyn St. S.W.\" This highly sought-after provenanceconfirms it was retailed through Godfrey Zimmermann\'s high-end boutique inLondon’s exclusive St. James\'s shopping district to cater to the fashionableEdwardian elite.

Thebox opens on an integrated, perfectly flush three-part rolled tube hinge toreveal a magnificent, vibrantly intact original gold wash (vermeil) interiorlining. This gold-gilt layer was meticulously applied by the silversmith toprovide a chemically non-reactive barrier, protecting the sterling silver fromthe corrosive effects of personal items like medicinal lozenges or moisttobacco snuff. To assist with daily handling, a delicate, wavy silverthumbpiece is expertly sculpted onto the lower rim of the lid, allowing theowner to smoothly pop the container open with one hand. Measuring with abeautifully balanced pocket-sized silhouette, the box is an exquisite testamentto turn-of-the-century British master craftsmanship, making it a stellaraddition to any fine cabinet collection of antique novelty silverwares.

Thisantique keepsake survives in exceptional, investment-grade physical conditionfor a utilitarian object over 120 years old. The structural alignment issuperb; the hinge remains straight, tight, and stable, allowing the lid to snapshut securely with a flush, dust-tight fit against the collar. The exteriorsterling silver displays a rich, unblemished luster with only minor,microscopic surface swirls and light age-appropriate pocket wear, entirely freeof deep gouges, splits, solder repairs, or heavy dents. Furthermore, theprecious interior gold gilding remains remarkably deep, bright, and unworn,having been protected from abrasive polishes over the decades. Please carefullyreview the high-resolution photographs provided, as they form an integral partof this condition report and verify the remarkable preservation of thisheirloom piece.