Antique Edwardian English Sterling Silver Evening Purse Chain Finger Loop 48g For Sale

Charming antique English sterling silver dress purse with a rich blue satin interior. The piece comes from the collection of a prominent Massachusetts family. The front of the purse is decorated with an elaborate floral motif featuring a Green Man below an embellished cartouche which is engraved with cursive initials (which I find somewhat difficult to read). The Green Man is an ancient symbol denoting renewal and rebirth. The back side of the purse is also decorated with repousse floral designs around the edges. The center of the back is unadorned. The purse has full English hallmarks on the upper righthand front side and partial marks on the upper lefthand back side. Reading from left to right the marks are as follows: Anchor mark for the City of Birmingham Assay Office, Lion Passant for Sterling silver, and the stylised dated letter \"f\" for the year 1905. The front also has the initials \"HE\" in a shield shaped stamp. This was the maker\'s mark for the company of Harry Emanuel, a noted late 19th through early 20th Century London-based jeweler and silversmith. Although his business was located in London, Emanuel\'s pieces were frequently assayed and hallmarked in Birmingham, particularly during the Edwardian period of the early 1900s. This exquisite purse is a fine example of his firm\'s work. The exterior of the purse is in very good antique condition. There are numerous small shallow dents on both the front and back sides, the typical light surface scratches associated with age, material and use, as well as some residual tarnish. To open the purse, one pushes the latch down then pries the two sides apart (perhaps aided by a fingernail). The purse closes firmly with a reassuring snap, however, the edges do not fit together precisely flush. The inside of the purse shows its 120 year age to a larger extent. The satin lining, which has an accordion style pouch in the middle, is still a vibrant blue, but the fabric is very delicate, a bit stained and fraying in places. The purse, which hangs three inches down from its silver chain, feels good in the hand. (Please note that I am assuming that the chain and finger loop are sterling as well, although I did not notice a separate hallmark on either.) A lovely souvenir of a more refined and romantic era, this purse, although limited in utility in today\'s world as it can only accommodate a bit of cash, would make a beautiful accessory and a wonderful conversation piece at any formal occasion. It should take pride of place in any fine collection of antique sterling accessories.Please note that shipping cost includes insurance.