Crafted by Silversmith Stuart Clifford & Co. | Fully Hallmarked London .925
An exceptional, museum-quality Edwardian solid sterling silver chatelaine evening purse, retailed by the world-famous luxury emporium Asprey London in 1911. This exquisite piece of antique vanity vertu represents the height of Edwardian elegance and British silversmithing.
🔍 Hallmark & Maker Details
The silver frame and the heavy chatelaine belt hook are fully matching and feature crisp, clear British hallmarks stamped in multiple places:
- Makers Mark (Sponsor's Mark):
SC — Stuart Clifford & Co., a prestigious London-based luxury silversmith operating out of Barnes and Soho. - Assay Office Mark: Leopard's Head for London.
- Purity Mark: Lion Passant guaranteeing British .925 Solid Sterling Silver.
- Date Letter: Lowercase
q confirming the exact year of manufacture as 1911. - Retailer Engraving: Stamped clearly on the interior belt hook:
ASPREY. LONDON.
🎨 Design & Material Features
- The Frame & Clip: Ornate Classical Revival openwork frame decorated with a central raised cameo portrait profile flanked by elegant foliate scroll details. It features a heavy, robust silver belt clip meticulously decorated with a matching classical cameo profile, allowing the purse to be suspended from a lady's waistband or chatelaine belt.
- Exterior Fabric: The pouch is made of its original, genuine deep black/midnight-toned silk velvet.
- Interior Lining: Opens to reveal its original, striking royal blue grosgrain ribbed silk lining with internal pocket dividers.
📐 Condition Report
- Silver Frame & Hook: Excellent antique condition with crisp, highly legible hallmarks. The push-button closure mechanism operates smoothly and snaps tightly shut.
- Exterior Fabric: The black velvet pouch body remains structurally sound and firmly attached to the silver frame.
- Interior Lining (Please Read): As clearly shown in the listing photographs, the original royal blue ribbed silk lining has significant age-related fraying, splitting, and wear to the internal fabric dividers. The silk is fragile due to its age (1911) and is priced accordingly. Ideal for antique display or a beautiful restoration project.
📦 Shipping & Handling
Shipped via Royal Mail Special Delivery (Insured and Tracked) within the UK. International buyers are very welcome; shipping will be safely managed via the eBay Global Shipping Programme.
Please examine all high-definition photos carefully as they form part of the conditional description. Feel free to message with any questions.